Latest news with #PlanforChange
Wales Online
9 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Universal Credit payment boost worth £420 for over one million people
Universal Credit payment boost worth £420 for over one million people The DWP changed how much money can be deducted from your Universal Credit payments and it means one million households in the UK will be better off in 2022 The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed that over one million households grappling with debt will retain an average of £420 more of their benefits each year (Image: John Myers ) The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed that over one million households grappling with debt will retain an average of £420 more of their benefits each year, following a change to Universal Credit implemented at the end of last month. The Fair Repayment Rate sets a cap on how much individuals in debt can have deducted from their benefits to repay what they owe. The maximum amount that could be taken from someone's Universal Credit standard allowance payment to repay debt was 25 per cent, but this was reduced to 15 per cent on April 30. This alteration applies to all assessment periods commencing on or after that date and means claimants due their monthly payments from May 30 will benefit from the reduction. It equates to an average of £420 extra a year for 1.2 million of the poorest households, including 700,000 households with children, whilst aiding people to pay down their debts in a sustainable manner. This is part of the UK Government's Plan for Change to put more money into people's pockets and enhance living standards and signifies the Government's initial step in a broader review of Universal Credit to ensure it continues to fulfil its purpose. Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced the Fair Repayment Rate at the Autumn Budget, as part of wider efforts to elevate living standards, combat poverty, and tackle the cost of living crisis, reports the Daily Record. The Chancellor remarked: "As announced at the Budget, 1.2 million households will keep more of their Universal Credit and will be on average £420 better off a year. This is our plan for change delivering, easing the cost of living and putting more money into the pockets of working people." This comes amid revelations that nearly 2.8 million households experience reductions in their Universal Credit each month to address debts, with the updated rate aiming to balance debt repayment while ensuring individuals can still manage their essential expenses. In an assertion of the government's commitment to worker prosperity, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stated: "As part of our Plan for Change, we are taking decisive action to ensure working people keep more of the benefits they're entitled to - which will boost financial security and improve living standards up and down the country." She further emphasised the government's dedication to improving prospects, saying, "We're delivering meaningful change to ensure everyone has a fair chance, the support they need, and real hope for the future." Article continues below The introduction of the Fair Repayment Rate joins a suite of ambitious efforts under the UK Government's Plan for Change, aiming to spark growth and broaden wealth across the nation. Spotlighting employment as a critical escape from poverty, the Labour Government unveiled the Get Britain Working White Paper, setting sights on an 80 per cent employment rate goal through major reforms to Jobcentres, the creation of a new employment and advice service, plus a youth guarantee ensuring young people are either gaining work experience or pursuing education. This is in addition to raising the National Minimum and National Living Wage to ensure that work is financially rewarding.
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
New rules affecting roads and drivers across Wales planned
New rules affecting roads and drivers across Wales planned The Welsh Government has proposed changes to help the transition to a new future A new rule for driveways in England came into force this Thursday (May 29) and something similar looks on the way for Wales (Image: InYourArea ) A new law coming into force in England could soon be repeated in Wales. From this week, people in England will no longer need to submit planning applications in order to install electric vehicle chargers, a law which will effect every household in England. The Labour government hopes that this new law will streamline the process of installing EV chargers and therefore reduce months of delays and possibly saving drivers £1,100 a year. They say it will give drivers more chargepoints, with less red tape. In April this year, the Welsh Government published a consultation which proposes to change the development rules around EV charging infrastructure. The proposals would bring Wales further in line with provisions in Scotland and England by removing the 2m from a highway restriction and, in certain instances, increasing the height limit of chargers to 2.7m. The Welsh Government said: "The number of EV charging points across Wales needs to increase to support the anticipated growth in electric vehicle usage, and to align with Net Zero Wales targets and UK Government's proposed ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030/35. "Reliable and comprehensive charging infrastructure is needed to support this transition. "The changes will further facilitate the roll-out of electric vehicle charge points in line with predicted growth in use of electric vehicles and to ensure sufficient charging infrastructure is available to support zero emission vehicle targets." Other changes to permitted development rights in Wales laid out in the consultation include increased provision for air source heat pumps and increased rights for recreation campsites. The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, called England's move a boost for the "EV revolution". Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here . She added: "We continue to make the switch to EVs easier, cheaper and better by investing over £2.3billion to support drivers and back British carmakers through international trade deals - creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future as part of our Plan for Change." Osprey Charging Network's operations director, Lewis Gardiner, said changes in England would make a "real difference". He continued: "Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need." Article continues below Research by Autotrader shows that the number of EV chargers in the UK rose from by 30,000 at the end of 2021, to 77,000 as of March 2025. The Welsh Government consultation runs until July 1, 2025. It can be viewed here.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
NHS rolls out liquid biopsy testing for lung cancer patients
The UK National Health Service (NHS) England has rolled out a new liquid biopsy test intended to fast-track lung cancer patients to receive targeted therapy. Liquid biopsy testing works by detecting cancer-related molecules such as circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) or circulating tumour cells (CTCs) that cancer cells release into the bloodstream. According to NHS England, the rollout means that up to 15,000 patients with suspected lung cancer will benefit from the test each year, with the move making the UK health service the first in the world to adopt a 'blood test-first' approach to diagnosing cancer over the use of traditional tissue biopsy. Data from a pilot of the lung cancer test indicated that in some cases, patients received the results of ctDNA testing required to make treatment decisions up to 16 days sooner than with the tissue biopsy approach. The NHS has also pledged to expand liquid biopsy testing for several genetic variants in advanced breast cancer, with around 5,000 women set to benefit each year. An independent health economic assessment of the pilot estimated that the test's rollout could save the NHS up to £11m each year in lung cancer care. In addition, the test's availability signifies that some patients will avoid undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy by being more effectively triaged to receive the most appropriate targeted therapy for their cancer. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, commented: 'Liquid biopsies are leading us into a new era of personalised cancer care, and it's fantastic that we are now able to expand the use of this revolutionary test on the NHS to help tailor treatment for thousands of patients across the country. Since April, 1,600 patients with suspected lung cancer and around 600 advanced breast cancer patients have been tested with liquid biopsy. Professor Johnson continued: 'We are already seeing the difference this test can make in lung and breast cancer – and we hope to roll it out for patients with other forms of cancer in the near future.' Beyond lung cancer, the NHS said it also assessing the viability of the test's use in other cancers, including pancreatic and gallbladder cancer. When the UK's Labour Party came to power last year, ending 14 years of Conservative rule, they outlined a plan to rejuvenate the NHS after a lengthy period of underinvestment and funding cuts by the Conservative Party. UK health and social care secretary Wes Streeting commented: 'Thanks to this government's investment and modernisation, we have already delivered faster diagnoses for tens of thousands of suspected cancer patients, and there's much more to come. 'Through our Plan for Change, we are investing in cutting-edge modern treatments and tests to make our NHS fit for the future.' "NHS rolls out liquid biopsy testing for lung cancer patients " was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
ITV News
a day ago
- ITV News
Kent landscape that inspired novelist Charles Dickens declared nature reserve
A Kent landscape of ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows and chalk grasslands that inspired novelist Charles Dickens has been designated a national nature reserve. Natural England, which advises the Government on the environment, announced the creation of the North Kent Woods and Downs national nature reserve on Friday. This means the 800-hectare landscape has been marked out as an area of focus for conservation and nature restoration efforts. The mosaic of different habitats is home to key species including Man and Lady orchids, the Maidstone mining bee, Hazel dormouse and skylarks, around 1,700 ancient and veteran trees, and the Silverhand Estate – one of the UK's largest organic vineyards. Dickens, who lived in different areas of north Kent during his life in the 19th Century, drew inspiration from the landscape in his writings. The nature reserve designation also aims to boost the local economy, tourism and access to nature for around 400,000 people who live within five miles of the reserve and an estimated eight million who live within an hour's drive away. The ancient woodlands have maintained tree cover since the Tudor era, when Henry VIII was said to have given Kent the nickname "Garden of England". Natural England's partners, which include the National Trust, Woodland Trust and Kent County Council, will be working to support conservation efforts beyond the boundary of the reserve to create a joined-up approach to nature recovery for a further 1,100 hectares in the surrounding area. Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England said: "Creating bigger, better and more joined-up natural areas is one of the most vital and fundamental steps we must take in meeting our national targets for Nature's recovery. "This new reserve, with its hundreds of ancient trees set amid extensive chalk grasslands, lays the foundations for multiple partners to work together to improve Nature across a significant area of countryside." The reserve comes as the eighth in the King's Series – a programme to establish 25 large-scale national nature reserves across England by 2027 in celebration of Charles' coronation. Nature minister Mary Creagh said: "This new National Nature reserve will give people the opportunity to explore Kent's magical landscapes from wildflower meadows to ancient woodlands. "Reserves like this one, and others in the King's Coronation Series, will deliver on our promise to improve access to nature and protect nature-rich habitats, as well as boosting the local economy in line with our Plan for Change." Nick Johannsen, national landscape director at Kent Downs National Landscape, said: "The North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve is especially exciting because of the sheer scale, nearly 20 square kilometres of land managed for nature, people, its beauty and history and for scientific research and so close to the urban centres of Gravesend and the Medway Towns. "Many partners from the public, private, community and charity sectors are working together here, on some of the very best sites for wildlife in England." With support from Natural England and Kent Downs National Landscape, the reserve will be managed by a number of partners including the National Trust, Woodland Trust, Kent County Council, Plantlife, Silverhand Estate (Vineyard Farms Ltd) and the West Kent Downs Countryside Trust. Meanwhile, affiliated partners include Gravesham Borough Council, Birling Estate, Shorne Parish Council, Tarmac and Forestry England.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major change kicks in for EVERY driveway in England ‘to save months of delays and cut costs'
It hopes to accelerate the rollout of EVs CHARGING AHEAD Major change kicks in for EVERY driveway in England 'to save months of delays and cut costs' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR rule change has come for drivers around the UK in a positive move for home and vehicle owners. The change involves the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers for both public and private use. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The new driveway law is for every household in the UK Credit: Alamy 2 It is expected to save thousands of pounds a year and wait times Credit: Alamy There is a current target to install 300,000 chargers across the UK by 2030, a goal set out by the previous Conservative government. From this week, those wanting to install an EV charger will no longer require planning permission from a local authority. The new move by Labour is expected to save driver £1,100 a year, as well as months of delays. Liberty to install EV chargers was already the case for most on a private property with off-street parking. But for larger public developments, a green light from local authorities was required. CEO of charger provider Osprey, Ian Johnston, told Autocar last year: "The problem is you've got to go through a process which is under-resourced and takes six to nine months to get planning permission.' The process has been deemed a key bottleneck in the roll-out of the nation's EV and charging network. The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: "We're cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more charge points to power from and less red tape to deal with." These rule changes hope to help the "EV revolution" by what Ms Greenwood considers making it "easier than ever to install EV chargers" for EV drivers across the UK. The Labour MP continued: "We continue to make the switch to EVs easier, cheaper and better by investing over £2.3billion to support drivers and back British carmakers through international trade deals - creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future as part of our Plan for Change." Audi launches NEW superfast charging hybrid with eye-watering price Operations Director at Osprey Charging Network, Lewis Gardiner welcomed the government's "practical change" in policy which he believes will make a "huge difference" for the industry. He added: "Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need." Jack Counsens, head of roads policy at The AA, praised the positive step but said the government should be doing all it can: "The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner. "This is especially important in rural locations and areas where there is no dedicated off-street parking." A charger mapping by firm Zap-Map has shown there were more than 79,000 publicly accessible charge points across the UK at the end of last month. This is an increase of 6,000 since the end of 2024, but just a quarter of the final goal for the next five years.
