Latest news with #FabianSociety
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Carers need a £2,000 a year pay hike to end 'national scandal', report says
A new report by the Fabian Society urges ministers to put £1.5billion aside to bring carer salaries in line with the NHS and end the recruitment crisis facing the sector Ministers should put cash aside to give more than half a million care workers a £2,000 pay rise, a report rules today. The Fabian Society says the move is needed to tackle the "national scandal" in social care. Its report calls for the minimum wage in social care to be brought in line with the NHS. Trade union Unison has supported the demand, which would cost £1.5billion. There are estimated to be around 120,000 vacancies in England, while last week the Government announced it would be axing social care visas, meaning businesses will need to recruit from the UK. Joe Dromey, general secretary of the Fabian Society and co-author of the report, said: "The treatment of the social care workforce is a national scandal. Care workers deliver vital support, yet they face poverty pay, chronic insecurity, and have few opportunities for progression." And Christina McAnea, Unison general secretary, said: 'Raising wages in care is the first step to turning around this beleaguered sector." She added: "Care work is highly skilled, as anyone with a relative in care knows only too well. But it's paid as if it's a low-skilled job. "That's why too few people want to work in the sector and employers have become so dependent on staff from overseas." Keir Starmer has said ministers are drawing up a plan to tackle the crisis in the sector after closing the door to overseas care workers. The PM, whose sister is a carer, has previously stated he is committed to tackling the crisis, but faces pressure to act quickly. The Fabian Society says a £13.17 an hour minimum wage is needed for 600,000 low-paid care staff. And it estimates that by making salaries similar to healthcare assistants in the NHS, an extra 90,000 workers could be attracted to the sector. The report, titled Seizing The Opportunity also suggests 27,000 fewer staff would quit each year. This would lead to an improvement in care standards, the report argues.
Wales Online
10-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Grade II* listed stunning home that has a hell of a history including royalty and a rock legend
Grade II* listed stunning home that has a hell of a history including royalty and a rock legend From a 375-year-old King to rock royalty, from politics to literature - this country estate can boast it all Welcome to a unique slice of history nestled within the Monmouthshire countryside (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) If you think your home has got a long and fascinating history it's highly unlikely to beat a Monmouthshire mansion that dates back centuries and includes a visit by a king and a rock legend as a past owner. The Argoed, nestled within in the glorious Monmouthshire countryside in the Wye Valley, is so special that the property was given the higher level of Grade II* listing by Cadw that is only awarded to around seven per cent of listing buildings. The listing was bestowed on this unique Welsh home in 1993 for 'its special interest as a small, mostly Victorian country house set in fine grounds which has exceptional historic associations with the Fabian Society' but that is only a small slice of this amazing property's past. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: Open the front door and you'll find a historic sweet shop still with its old weighing scales YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Wales' most expensive property currently for sale for £15m is definitely not what you think it's going to be Nestled within about 11 acres of beautiful grounds (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) Article continues below According to the listing the first mansion at the site near the village of Penallt was built over 300 years ago and some of that original house can be found within the core of this sprawling home. However, the majority of the house dates back to around 1865 when it was significantly extended. But it's the colourful history that makes this home stand out from its contemporaries. The Cadw listing states that The Argoed was originally owned by the Probert family, and it was Christopher Probert who built the first house in the late 16th century, remodelled in early 17th century by Sir George Probert. It is during this first phase of ownership that, according to the estate agent, the house welcomed and entertained King Charles I. The country estate visit starts with a sweeping, tree-lined driveway (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) In 1865, Richard Potter purchased the property. That same year, he stepped down as Chairman of the Great Western Railway and promptly embarked on a significant renovation and expansion of the house, which largely shaped its current character. Richard's daughter, Beatrice Webb, was a social reformer and founding member of the Fabian Society, which played a pivotal role in the evolution of socialism in Britain. The grounds include a historic ha-ha and views that stretch for miles (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) Beatrice's extensive network of friends who visited The Argoed included George Bernard Shaw, who is rumoured to have penned some of his works here including 'The Man of Destiny' and 'Mrs. Warren's Profession'. The property was then sold in 1897 and has since changed hands multiple times, with Led Zeppelin musician, singer-songwriter and rock legend Robert Plant CBE owning it from 1985 to 1990 according to Cadw. Under the custodianship of the current owners, The Argoed has been given a comprehensive refurbishment of both the house and grounds over many years, beginning back in 1990. Fireplace, wood panelled doors, and a carved staircase in the entrance reception hall (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) Every historic country manor estate needs an impressive entrance and The Argoed can effortlessly deliver with a sweeping driveway lined with majestic, mature trees that leads to an imposing and handsome façade draped in a curtain of vines. The house is embedded into around 11 acres of beautiful grounds enveloped by panoramic and far-reaching views of the Wye Valley National Landscape to the horizon, so no wonder the esteemed architectural historian, John Newman, is said to have described The Argoed as 'tantalising'. Drawing room (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) Wandering around the The Argoed's gardens and grounds it's also not a surprise to discover that they are also listed with Cadw on the ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales, with much of the present-day appearance of the peaceful and private gardens attributed to the late nineteenth-century alterations carried out by the Potter family. Much of the grounds are laid out informally with walks through specimen trees, shrubberies, lawns and fields enjoying the backdrop of the estate's beautiful location. Formal dining room (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) Closer to the house the garden offers more formality via wide gravel paths and two large grass terraces to the east of the house that include a restored ha-ha, described by the National Trusts as a sunken wall or area in a country park or estate that creates a barrier between two areas of land without obstructing the view. The grounds also include a tranquil Japanese garden with a water feature and an enchanting arboretum that, given that 'argoed' translates from Welsh to meaning 'by the wood/on wood' in English, it seems apt that the home should offer such enticing walks through a visually stunning collection of magnificent trees. The sociable kitchen breakfast room has been moved to the centre of the house (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) Within the grounds are bonus buildings and spaces including an integral garage, a gardener's workshop with toilet facilities, a greenhouse, and a stable block that is so special it can also boast a listing from Cadw. This attractive stone building was Grade II listed in 1993 'for the special interest of its origins that date from the period of the original house and for the reused detail incorporated into this building. It has strong group value with The Argoed'. It's clear that the current owners have poured love and care into the house as well as the grounds, with four-storeys of accommodation to explore that include a basement cellar with an ancient well and a top floor of five extra rooms waiting to be utilised. The property has a wealth of inviting rooms and it's intriguing to think that both King Charles I and one of the kings of rock, Robert Plant, once wandered through some of these spaces. The staircase and arched window are stand-out features (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) The house tour of the main floors of The Argoed starts with a grand reception hall that features a large wood burner within a stone fireplace on one side and a sweeping and intricately carved staircase on the other, plus access to a handy cloakroom. The ground floor is a network of substantial rooms perfect for socialising, working and studying, and relaxing across five reception rooms; a drawing room, sitting room, dining room, family room and study home office. Arguably one of the most notable of the spaces on this ground level is the kitchen breakfast room which wasn't always nestled into the centre of the house. The impressive primary bedroom suite at The Argoed occupies one whole wing of the first floor (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) The current owners have smartly moved this social hub so it has literally become the heart of the home, and can now also fully utilise the dual aspect of the space whilst offering everything a modern day cook requires, including a five-door electric AGA. Before wandering up the impressive staircase the ground floor also offers the 'engine rooms' of the mansion - boiler room, boot room, and utility room. There are seven bedrooms to explore on the first floor and arguably the most noteworthy are the principal suite and second bedroom. The former stretches across the entire south east side of The Argoed, welcoming the morning sun through the large Georgian windows as well as boasting a luxury ensuite and masses of storage. The primary bedroom suite includes a luxurious bathroom including a period fireplace (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) The second bedroom suite is a historic gem, embellished with incredible floor-to-ceiling wood panelling, paying homage to the home's Jacobean roots. The Cadw listing highlights this room's 'moulded joists and wall-panelling which includes a reused and richly carved bed tester' as well the first floor corridor's 'late C16/early C17 wainscotting and a guilloche frieze'. The wall panelling in bedroom two is highlighted in Cadw's Grade II* listing details (Image: Knight Frank, Bristol ) The Argoed is for sale with a guide price of £2.6m with Knight Frank, Bristol. Call 0117 317 1999 to find out more. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here. Article continues below Find your own historic property for sale here:
The Guardian
26-02-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Parents of under-fives may be exempted from UK's two-child benefit limit
Parents of under-fives could be exempted from the government's two-child benefit limit under a range of options UK ministers are considering as they try to bring down child poverty numbers without removing the rule altogether. Ministers are trying to find ways to alleviate the impact of the two-child limit for universal credit or child tax credits, which was imposed by the Conservatives in 2017, without spending £3.6bn to remove it entirely, according to those briefed on the discussions. Among the options is applying the limit only to those with children who are five and over, exempting parents of disabled children, exempting parents in work and increasing child benefit payments for parents of young children. A separate proposal to move to a three-child limit has also been discussed, but is understood not to be under serious consideration. Ministers hope the plans will answer criticism that Labour is not doing enough to tackle child poverty. But their publication this spring could be another flashpoint in relations between the government and Labour backbenchers, many of whom want the cap abolished completely. One person briefed on the discussions said: 'Officials are keen to mitigate the impact of the cap, if not lift it entirely. They have been discussing a range of options to do so, but at the moment, helping parents of under-fives seems to be one of the most likely.' Another said: 'Everything is on the table. The important thing is to have chid poverty falling by the end of the parliament.' A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: 'We do not comment on speculation. Our ministerial taskforce is exploring all available levers across government to give every child the best start in life.' Ministers and officials are in regular talks with thinktanks and child poverty experts as they put the finishing touches to their strategy, and have asked several organisations to work up models for how many children they could lift out of poverty under various scenarios. The argument for lifting the cap for parents of very young children has been bolstered by a analysis from the Fabian Society, which shows 1.2 million children aged up to four are living in a household with less than 60% of the median income, after housing costs have been accounted for. Just under half of those are classified as living in 'deep poverty', on less than 40% of the median income, excluding housing. The figures come from a new analysis of the government's Family Resources Survey. Ben Cooper, a research manager at the Fabian Society, said: 'As the government prepares its child poverty strategy, they must focus relentlessly on lifting babies and toddlers out of poverty – and ensuring they have the support needed to thrive. 'Over a third of very young children in England and Wales live in poverty. More than a million babies and toddlers risk having their life chances, health and wellbeing harmed as a result. 'The government must show voters they can deliver change and turn the tide on child poverty in the early years.' Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion As well as exempting parents of under-fives and raising the cap to three children, officials have also spoken about the option of increasing universal credit payments for parents of babies and toddlers, and introducing a 'child benefit lock' to make sure it goes up each year in line with earnings or inflation. Any of these options, however, will have to be approved by the Treasury, which is already trying to find billions of pounds' worth of cuts from DWP and other departments to avoid breaking its fiscal rules later this year. Meanwhile, a separate analysis published on Wednesday by the Resolution Foundation shows that pushing ahead with existing plans to reduce the welfare bill by £3bn would contribute to a rise in overall child poverty from 31% to 33% by 2030. That would raise the number of children living below the poverty to an all-time high of 4.6 million. The thinktank added, however, that scrapping the child benefit cap and the overall welfare cap would lift 500,000 children out of poverty, albeit at a cost of £4.5bn. Adam Corlett, a principal economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: 'A government that is serious about reducing child poverty will need to undo some of the policies announced by previous governments, such as scrapping the two-child limit.'
The Guardian
27-01-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Here's what Labour should learn from Donald Trump: think bigger, think faster
Those rapid-fire presidential executive orders did so much within so few hours that if you'd looked away briefly you'd have missed another burst of Donald Trump's assaults on America's founding freedoms. The democratic west looks on aghast at this hurricane of hostile values. And yet politicians everywhere must feel a sneaking envy. He just goes for it, does whatever he wants, as quick as a flash. Forget consultations, ignore civil servants' warnings, follow your deepest beliefs, to hell with opinion. Mad, bad, dangerous, but well, wow. What if … ? A sense of renewed urgency and frustration pulses through the Labour cabinet, urging them to stamp down on the accelerator. You hear it when Keir Starmer speaks. You will hear it in Rachel Reeves's dash-for-growth speech on Wednesday. Asked about Trump's boosterism, she said, 'Yes, I think we do need more positivity' and that 'we've got our best days ahead of us'. I heard it in Wes Streeting's speech to the Fabian Society at the weekend, in Angela Rayner's defiance of nimbys to build, build, build, and in Ed Miliband's massive solar and wind power reforms. Six months in power have taught them to be tougher: they know they will never get a fair hearing from enemy news machines. No, 10,000 millionaires are vanishingly unlikely to have fled the country, as has been reported. The New Statesman's digging reveals its absurd origin not in a reliable source of statistics, but a guess from a South African company selling residence and citizenship advice to the wealthy. There is, alas, plenty of authentic bad news: growth near stagnant, job vacancies slowing, inflation still not at 2%. But bad-news bias ensures puny attention is paid to PwC's annual report, which shows Britain is now the second most attractive country for investment. Wage growth is also under-reported: it's at a six-month high, driven by the private sector. Instead, 'inflation busting' public pay is often criticised without mentioning the fact that it is still below where it was in 2010. Labour knows from Joe Biden's bitter experience that in the end what counts isn't GDP numbers but what people feel in their pockets; does their take-home pay buy more in the supermarket? That's why, for all the business outrage, taxing employers was preferable to raising the cost of living by taxing workers. The Trump example may only subliminally spur on ministers, but this warning from the Institute for Government (IfG) confirms what they know: they are 'entering a make-or-break 12 months to demonstrate that theirs is a government that can deliver … By this time in 12 months, Labour will effectively be half way through its usable term of office, before campaigning for the next general election begins to absorb all its political bandwidth.' Labour's gigantic majority gives it Trump-like power to be less cautious. As even modest policies cause volcanic eruptions from its foes, it may as well go further, faster: enemies have already reached the maximum level of decibels. A brash show of self-confidence may breed more confidence in voters. It should go for European closeness now. A new YouGov poll shows a majority in every constituency backs more trade with the EU over the US, while every poll for two years has shown a majority in favour of rejoining the EU. Five years since Brexit, and with 9% lost in exports, it can ignore the Brexiters. It's good to hear Reeves, urging growth, now welcoming EU overtures to join the (too modest) Pan-Euro-Mediterranean customs framework. As any baby step is megaphoned as a 'betrayal', why not go for full customs union? Embrace the EU's youth mobility plan as it is overwhelmingly popular. A dangerous fight? Starmer and Reeves may just as well take on attackers over the great issues. Incidentally, it is high time they made Ofcom do its job and force broadcasters such as GB News to obey the law on political even-handedness. Once in that combative mindset, they should rebalance council tax, which is about to rise painfully: why fear noise from the better-off 30% who would lose out, when a fair revaluing of tax bands would save the pockets of the 70% less well off, and Buckingham Palace would no longer pay less than an average Hartlepool home? Start with what is free. Build on House of Lords reform: push through Harriet Harman's bill to expel the 26 bishops and enforce stern criteria for suitability. But that is trivial compared with electoral reform: use proportional representation for the next election, with the proviso that it be reviewed by the following parliament. That's no gerrymander, since Labour benefited disgracefully under the present system. Severely curb party donations, cleansing cash from politics. Speed up the promised votes for 16-year-olds: that's not gerrymandering since the young rarely vote for incumbents. Labour is bad at loudhailing what it does, from renters' and workers' rights to free school breakfasts, nurseries for all and the founding of Great British Railways and Great British Energy. They lack a red thread narrative, and the threat of a brutal spending review may not reassure people that 'there will be no return to austerity', as Reeves promised on Sunday. Levies on the rich and their booming wealth would be more popular than squeezed spending. Time is short, as the IfG warns, before voters answer those election questions: do you feel better off? Is the NHS recovering? Are fewer migrants arriving in boats? Failure risks voter pessimism opening the door to Faragism. Trump told the Wall Street Journal that China's president, Xi Jinping, 'respects me' because 'he knows I'm … crazy'. Maybe Labour is ready for a micro-dot more craziness. Polly Toynbee is a Guardian columnist
