Government Business 31.1

ENERGY

MUNICIPAL VEHICLES

SMART CITIES

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

|

FIRE SAFETY

DAMP & MOULD

FRAMEWORKS

INVASIVE PLANTS

DAMP & MOULD

WASTE MANAGEMENT DESIGN & BUILD

SOCIAL CARE

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Business Information for Local and Central Government

|

ISSUE 30.5

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Business Information for Local and Central Government

|

ISSUE 30.4

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

N

L EW OOK

DE

L EW OOK

MARKET RESEARCH

INSIDE DE

Taking responsibility to keep bins clean

N

SIG N

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

|

ISSUE 30.2

How central government departments, SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY local authorities and other public sector organisations can better deliver citizen services with Cloud IT

SIG N

How can digital services and technology be more efficient and produce less waste?

SIG N

L EW OOK

DE

How to use AI responsibly and reliably in your research

ISSUE 30.3

L EW OOK

DE

INVASIVE PLANTS

JAPANESE KNOTWEED & LOCAL AUTHORITIES

INSIDE

MAKING THE MOST OF AI

SIG N

|

INSIDE

INSIDE

WASTE MANAGEMENT

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Business Information for Local and Central Government Information for Local and Central Government MakingBusiness the public sector thrive

Business Information for Local and Central Government N

WHEELIE BIN WASHING

WASTE MANAGEMENT

G-CLOUD 13

HEALTH & SAFETY

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | ISSUE 31.1

ISSUE 30.6

N

ROAD MAINTENANCE

FIRE SAFETY

wipro.com/cloud

What is the best way to go about tackling the problem?

UNDERSTANDING THE REGULATIONS What changes will the Building Safety Act 2022 bring in terms of fire safety?

ECOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION BUILDING SOMETHING BETTER.

Making thepublic public sector thrive Making theMaking sector the public thrive sector thrive

Web traffic is up. Phone calls are down.

Learn how Adobe can drive 205% ROI for government agencies.

How central local departments, authorities Howgovernment central government Howdepartments, central departments, government authorities local and authorities other public and sector other public sector and otherlocal public sector organisations can better deliver organisations organisations can better can better deliver citizen services with deliver Cloud citizen services citizen withservices Cloud with Cloud

wipro.com/cloud Making the public sector thrive

Making theHow public sector thrive departments, central government How central government departments, local authorities and other public sector wipro.com/cloudwipro.com/cloud

PLUS: FIRE SAFETY | SECURITY | CONFERENCES & EVENTS | SOCIAL CARE ENERGY

TRANSPORT

TECHNOLOGY

PLUS: LEVELLING UP | ASBESTOS | PEST CONTROL | SECURITY DRONES

PLAY

FINANCE

PLUS: ROAD SAFETY | ENERGY | WASTE MANAGEMENT | HEALTH & WELLBEING PENSIONS

SECURITY

local authorities and other public sector Making theMaking public the sector public thrive sector thrive organisations can better deliver PLUS: CLEANING | FIRE SAFETY | ENERGY | ASBESTOS REMOVAL

PLUS: FIRE SAFETY | LEVELLING UP | DIGITAL | GROUNDS CARE

ENERGY

DRONES

FLOODING

SUSTAINABILITY

ENERGY

better deliver with citizen services Cloud Howorganisations central government How can central government departments, departments, citizenlocal services withpublic Cloud local authorities and authorities other and sector other public sector wipro.com/cloud organisationsorganisations can better deliver can better deliver wipro.com/cloud ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH citizen services citizen withservices Cloud with Cloud

CYBER SECURITY

HEALTH & CARE

ENERGY

OUTDOOR AREAS

wipro.com/cloudwipro.com/cloud

Business Information for Local and Central Government www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

|

ISSUE 28.4

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Business Information for Local and Central Government SMART CITIES

THE COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE OF CITIES The collective intelligence of cities is the light at the end of the tunnel for the future of smart cities

|

ISSUE 28.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Business Information for Local and Central Government ELECTION 2021

|

ISSUE 28.2

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Business Information for Local and Central Government

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

COVID-19

ISSUE 27.6

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Business Information for Local and Central Government

WASTE AND LOCKDOWN

Where does local government currently stand in its fight against coronavirus?

Has the local government financial picture improved, a year on from the pandemic striking?

|

E-BIKES

Why increasing walkability in neighbourhoods and encouraging healthy modes of transport is more important than ever before

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unexpected challenges causing us to adapt in order to maintain some level of success.

CELEBRATING

While digital mail may not have been something you previously considered, now more than ever it is crucial to safeguarding your organisation today and in the future.

PLUS: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT | FLEET | SUSTAINABILITY | TRANSPORT

PLUS: DATA SECURITY | G-CLOUD | GREEN SPACES | PROCUREMENT

Impact of furlough on employees and suppliers

30 YEARS COMMUNITY

ACADEMIC VENUES

SQUARE MEALS

OUTSOURCING

Need for upfront payments to secure products and services

FLEET MANAGEMENT

IFSEC PREVIEW

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

ENABLING BUSINESS CONTINUITY DURING THE COVIDD19 CRISIS AND BEYOND Download the eBook

digitiseyourdocuments.co.uk

PLUS: ASBESTOS | DRONES | G-CLOUD 12 | HOMELESSNESS

PLUS: DRONES | FLOODING | HEALTH & SAFETY | MARKET RESEARCH

PLUS: CYBER SECURITY | MENTAL HEALTH | NET ZERO | SMART CITIES

WATER MANAGEMENT

DIGITAL MAIL:

Download this eBook to learn how digital mail helps you main maintain business continuity.

What’s the hidden cost of COVID-19 in terms of Overpayments to Suppliers?

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

ACTIVE TRAVEL

A HEALTHY TRAVEL PLAN

Should the government make e-cycling a more realistic and viable option for transport?

At the forefront of Spend Recovery Services

Challenges faced during COVID-19

ISSUE 27.5

Business Information for Local and Central Government

THE BENEFITS OF E-BIKES EXPLORED

What have been the challenges for the waste management industry during a year of lockdowns?

VISUALISING THE INVISIBLE

PLUS: FINANCE | FRAMEWORKS | ROAD MAINTENANCE | SUSTAINABILITY

|

WASTE MANAGEMENT

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE PANDEMIC

THE LOCAL FUNDING PICTURE

What should the eight newly elected metro mayors focus on to help their cities build back better?

ISSUE 28.1

Business Information for Local and Central Government

FINANCE

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CITY MAYORS?

|

HOUSING

PLAY AREAS

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

TOWN PLANNING

GROUNDSCARE

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

FLEET MANAGEMENT

WASTE MANAGEMENT

ROAD SAFETY

Working from home challenges

WHAT HAS CHANGED?

Urgency to procure goods and services (i.e. PPE)

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 22.5

Poor internet connection

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 22.4

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 22.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 22.2

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 21.6

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 22.1

Scanning issues resulting in processing errors

Potential Solution – 10 DAY TARGETED REVIEW (COVID-19 PERIOD ONLY) NEW VARIATION to existing CCS Framework, Spend Analysis and Recovery Services 2 (RM3820) Created by: Crown Commercial Services / Confirmed by: The Cabinet Office

FIXED PERIOD / FIXED RATE REVIEW of invoices and transactions processed during the COVID-19 period

This variation provides all public sector bodies with a means to review the short period of commercial transactions that concern COVID-19.

Business Information for Local and Central Government ENERGY

STORING UP ON ENERGY Will energy storage provide a breakthrough for the energy sector?

URBAN REGENERATION

Business Information for Local and Central Government Twice2much illustrate what a ‘10’ day COVID-19 ‘HealthCheck’ might look like

Constructing greener, more sustainable areas

1 - Data (3 days)ROAD SAFETY

4 - Supplier Analysis (2 days)

MARKING DOWN ROAD DANGER Assisting clients with data acquisition

Comparison of supplier spend/activity (pre/during COVID-19)

Data validation

Highlighting COVID-19 period – new suppliers

Data preparation/analysis for review

Trend analysis

2 - Reviewinvestment (4 days) Why further is so Multiple algorithms to identify important to ourused local roads

3 - Reporting (1 day)

potential overpayments

High level report on findings

Review performed by specialists

Risks/types of errors highlighted

Sample of duplicates validated with clients

Best practice solutions provided

WASTE MANAGEMENT Recommendations on next steps

Findings confirmed

THE ZERO Days used: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 WASTE AWARDS

DOING MORE WITH LESS

The best ways to create a more resource efficient society

PLUS: FINANCE | RISK MANAGEMENT | SALTEX | CCS FRAMEWORKS

PUBLIC SECTOR SHOW

PROCUREX NATIONAL

|

ISSUE

KNOW YOUR FLOOD RISK Controlling the tide of flood management within the public sector

ROADS

26.2

Experts to debate the post-election housing landscape at the CIH’s Housing 2015 event

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

OUTDOOR SPACES

Business Information for Local and Central Government

news

AIR POLLUTION

UAVs

HIGHWAYS

DIGITISING SERVICES

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

What does environmental policy look like moving forward?

CREATING GREENER CITIES Can urban tree planting increase the strength of flood defences?

Highlighting the need for a more seamless and integrated local transport system

FLEET MANAGEMENT

ENERGY

PLUS: BAPCO | G CLOUD 10 | INTERNATIONAL CONFEX | SECURITY

FIREWORKS

DESIGN & BUILD

The procurement skills to generate further savings

CUSTOMER CONTACT

FLOOD MANAGEMENT

FIREWORKS

WATER MANAGEMENT

The bumpy road to recycling excellence

How local authorities can help reduce energy bills for residents and businesses

Safety concerns, poor regulations and inadequate government response. What next?

TRANSPORT

KEEPING ROADS IN GOOD HEALTH A long-term approach to

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

FOCUS ON FLEETS

GREEN VENUES How can you ensure the environmental credentials of your conference venue are genuine?

with Dealing tion informa d overloa p101

How the role of the fleet manager is changing

TRANSPORT

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

WINTER DRIVING

PARKING

CROWD CONTROL

THE SHOW MUST GO ON As we enter summer festival season, now is the time to stress the importance of event security

ge’s Exchany Policy log Techno sto Manife p89

HUMAN RESOURCES

ENERGY

GRASSROOTS SPORT

TOWN PLANNING

ENERGY

FRANCHISING

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 20.3

Business Information for Local and Central Government

CITIZEN FEEDBACK

INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY

Making our roads safe, smart and sustainable

Complaints can provide opportunities for innovation in public services

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

GREENBUILD EXPO

MOTORCYCLE FLEETS

Business Information for Local and Central Government

PENSION FUNDS

CV SHOW 2017

Government Business talks to CCS chief executive Malcolm Harrison about all things public procurement LIGHTING

HUMAN CENTRIC LIGHTING

Effiency savings are well‑known, but how do LED lights benefit personal well‑being?

PLUS: CONFERENCES & EVENTS | CYBER SECURITY | FACILITIES SHOW | LANDSCAPING

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

HEALTH & SAFETY

FRANCHISING

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 20.1

Business Information for Local and Central Government

PLUS: CIVIL ENGINEERING | HOUSING | PARKING | PUBLIC RELATIONS | WASTE

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Time to support infrastructure investment says NAPF

HR & FINANCE

TRANSPORT

FLEXIBLE WORKING Helping to foster the modern workplace

ROAD SAFETY

ACADEMIC VENUES

Science.

Applied to Life. www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 20.5

TM

Business Information for Local and Central Government

REVITALISING Buy Now E HISTORIC CENTRES URBAN REGENERATION

Can historic areas boost a town’s retail appeal?

Making sure your department has the skills to pay the bills

International road safety, parking and highways maintenance exhibition returns to Birmingham

PUBLIC EVENTS

PUBLIC RELATIONS

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 24.2

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2013 PROCUREMENT

FLEET MANAGEMENT

MAKING WAVES

HOW TO GREEN YOUR FLEET

Creating a low-carbon policy

Government Procurement Service on the right track

PUBLIC OPINION

WORK TRAVEL

EXPLOSIVE PUBLIC EVENTS

BUYING MARKET RESEARCH Smarter procurement gets better results

The benefits and misconceptions about the leading low energy design

PERIMETER SECURITY | IOG SALTEX PREVIEW | TRANSPORT | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY | HOUSING | CONFERENCES & EVENTS | PEST CONTROL

SECURITY | HEALTH & SAFETY | HUMAN RESOURCES | FRANCHISING | PLUS MORE

ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING

Photo courtesy of www.denbydalepassivhaus.co.uk

ign

Web Des p79

ENERGY

RECRUITMENT

FINANCE

TRAFFEX

WASTE & RECYCLING

FINANCE

PLUS: ASSET DISPOSAL | ENERGY | FIRST AID | PARKEX | SIGN & DIGITAL

FRAMEWORKS

Government Business looks at the Top 10 performing local authorities for improved and maintained children’s services

The new, virtually invisible privacy filter.

Legislation you must know when allowing staff to use private vehicles for work-related trips

What does the amended EU Waste Framework Directive mean for councils?

LEADERSHIP

PURPOSEFUL LEADERS AND ETHICAL CULTURES

Photo by John Price on Unsplash

TRANSPORT

REVISED WASTE REGULATIONS

Does your commercial building have an asbestos management summary?

PROGRESSING PROCUREMENT PRACTICES

The benefits of managing surface water flooding through SuDS

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 20.2

Business Information for Local and Central Government

MANAGING GREY FLEET

ASBESTOS

THE COMMERCIAL CONCERNS OF ASBESTOS

WATER MANAGEMENT

A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO DRAINAGE

PROCUREMENT | FLEET MANAGEMENT | SIGNAGE | EVENT PREVIEWS

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 20.4

FLEET MANAGEMENT

PLAY

TOP 10

st The late y log techno p93 news

Keeping community sport clubs running in an age of austerity

TM

Business Information for Local and Central Government

METRO MAYORS

DRIVING IMPROVEMENTS IN CHILDREN’S SERVICES

e Servic Public work: Net p95 rview an ove

SPORT & FITNESS

3M Bright Screen Privacy Filters. www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 20.6

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 25.2

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 24.3

road repairs

st The late logy techno p79 news

FINANCE | FRANCHISING | CATERING | FLEET MANAGEMENT | EVENTS

WASTE MANAGEMENT

HEALTH & SAFETY

Photo by Gilles Lambert on Unsplash

PLUS: CONFERENCES & EVENTS | FLEET MANAGEMENT | G-CLOUD 9 | RECYCLING

MARKET RESEARCH | FACILITIES MANAGEMENT | IT SECURITY | RECRUITMENT

SECURITY

Business Information for Local and Central Government FIRE SAFETY

WHAT NEXT FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY FIRE SAFETY?

ENERGY

DRIVING FORWARD THE GREEN DEAL

Prepare for the events that increase customer contact

st The late logy techno p93 news

WASTE MANAGEMENT

More needs to be done to bring indoor air quality into the national debate on air pollution

Business Information for Local and Central Government

WORKLOAD HIGHS & LOWS

FLEET MANAGEMENT

THE IMPACT OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY

PLUS: AIR QUALITY | FIRE SAFETY | GREEN SPACES | URBAN REGENERATION

WEBSITES

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 24.4

WASTE MANAGEMENT

REFOCUS ON RECYCLING

Understanding and mitigating the risks

p81

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

G-CLOUD 10

THE GATEWAY IN THE CLOUDS The G-Cloud framework has been the gateway for many SMEs to work in the public sector.

G-Cloud 10 will be no different

PLUS: CIPD | DIGITAL | FACILITIES MANAGEMENT | SMART BUILDINGS

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 21.3

Business Information for Local and Central Government

GROUND WATER FLOODING

efits The ben use in let of tab ment govern

How can organisations encourage and enhance purposeful leadership?

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 21.4

PROCUREMENT

PLAY

RECYCLING

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 25.4

Business Information for Local and Central Government FLOOD MANAGEMENT TRANSPORT

LANDSCAPING

THE ROLE OF GREEN SPACES

Photo by Matty Sievers on Unsplash

BUYING TOGETHER

TECHNOLOGY

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 25.5

Photo by Laura Ockel on Unsplash

Business Information for Local and Central Government

PENSIONS | RISK MANAGEMENT | FLEETS | DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT | ENERGY

PUBLIC SECTOR SHOW

WHEN WATER RISES West Berkshire Council shares the story behind its innovative flood defence scheme

PROCUREMENT | FACILITIES MANAGEMENT | SIGNAGE | PRINTING | CONTACT CENTRES

We chat with Nottingham City Council’s Sally Longford on the council’s clean energy goals

PLUS: LANDSCAPING | PLANNING | SECURITY | FRAMEWORKS

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 21.5

PRESS TO PRINT

FLOOD MANAGEMENT

TALKING ENERGY

An in-depth look at the third Digital Outcomes & Specialists framework from the Crown Commercial Service

PARKING

TABLETS

G CLOUD

st The late logy techno p77 news

Clear signs and graphics for a modern polling station

est The lat gy olo techn p101 news

PRINTING

INTERVIEW

PROCUREMENT

Understanding the connection between towns and their nearest cities

LIBRARIES

POINTING THE WAY ON ELECTION DAY

How the newly-introduced PAYE RTI automatic penalty regime affects employers

Despite many questioning its future, print remains an effective and sustainable communication tool in a digital world

FLEET MANAGEMENT | PARKING | OUTSOURCING | CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Business Information for Local and Central Government

Learning from the dazzling solar initiatives of 2018

est The lat gy olo techn p81 news

The skills to be a strong leader during difficult times

PLUS: PAYROLL | SECURITY | PROCUREMENT | HEALTH & SAFETY

2018’S SOLAR REVOLUTION

What must the government do to lift households out of fuel poverty?

Sustainable power can boost the local economy and council incomes

EVENTS

PAYROLL: PAYE RTI AUTOMATIC PENALTIES

HUMAN RESOURCES

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

FUEL POVERTY

PLUS: CONFERENCES & EVENTS | FRAMEWORKS | LANDSCAPING | SAFETY & HEALTH

LOW-CARBON BUILDINGS

Helping the elderly and disabled to remain living at home

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 25.6

TACKLING THE SCOURGE OF FUEL POVERTY

UNLOCKING CITIES PROSPERITY

ENERGY

THE ROLE OF RENEWABLES

The latest in low-carbon and sustainable construction will be featured at Ecobuild 2015

d6 G-Clou est lat plus theology techn p79

TECHNOLOGY

Business Information for Local and Central Government

EVENT PREVIEW

FINANCE

Your questions answered at this year’s Facilities Show

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 26.1

CITIES OUTLOOK

Business Information for Local and Central Government

DISABILITIES

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Geographic technology to highlight energy awareness

nt Conte nt geme mana latest plus the gy olo techn p81 news

PLUS: ENERGY | IFSEC INTERNATIONAL | FURNITURE | LEISURE INDUSTRY WEEK

Business Information for Local and Central Government

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Business Information for Local and Central Government

GIS / ENERGY

ENERGY INNOVATION

INSPIRING FM EXCELLENCE

FLOOD PREVENTION

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

CIH 2015 PREVIEW

HOUSING IN ORDER FACILITIES SHOW 2015

Celebrating resource efficiency Twice2much Limited I twice2much.com I 0344 225 2090

ation Inform and g sharin est GT the lat on p72 news

WASTE MANAGEMENT

ENVIRONMENT

Business Information for Local and Central Government

OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS PLACE MAKING

ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL PLANS

tion Informa p85 hip, stewards

PASSIVHAUS ECOBUILD PLUS: WASTE MANAGEMENT | FRAMEWORK | SMART CITIES | ROAD MAINTENANCE

THE VALUE OF COLLECTIONS

t Conten ent em Manag p84 AIIM

Outsourcing debt management

ENERGY | AIR CONDITIONING | CONFERENCES & EVENTS | HOUSING

Awarding contracts for sensible cost, low-risk firework displays

Sustainable construction under the spotlight at ExCeL

FLOODING | TRANSPORT | URBAN REGENERATION | EVENT PREVIEWS | PLUS MORE

Safer roads, a cleaner environment and reduced business costs

of ortance The imp disposal, IT asset p81

CONFERENCES & EVENTS | SECURITY | FRANCHISING | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY

Business Information for Local and Central Government

To take part and be in with the chance of winning a £100 Amazon gift voucher * *Entries close on Friday 1st March 2024

Comment

Editor’s Comment Government Business 31.1

Welcome to E Business Information for Local and Central Government

with us on Linkedin: LINKEDIN Connect @government-business

Follow and interact with us on X: @GovBusiness

P ONLINE P MOBILE P FACE-TO-FACE

Business Information for Local and Central Government

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

To register for your FREE Digital Subscription of Government Business magazine, go to www.governmentbusiness.co.uk/digital-subscription or contact Public Sector Information, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055

PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED

226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Polly Jones PRODUCTION MANAGER & DESIGNER Dan Kanolik PRODUCTION DESIGNER Jo Golding PRODUCTION CONTROL Deimante Gecionyte ADMINISTRATION Enkelejda Lleshaj WEB PRODUCTION Freya Courtney ADVERTISEMENT SALES Shanelle Alfred, Clive Beer, Simon Connor, Steve Day, Bernie Miller, Luke Simmons PUBLISHER Kylie Glover GROUP PUBLISHER Karen Hopps

Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

3

Simplify your connections with USB docking This Philips monitor offers 100W power delivery and a simple docking solution. Simultaneously transmits video, Ethernet, power delivery and DisplayLink with a USB Y- shaped cable. Perfect integrated solutions keep productivity all day long.

27” (68,6 cm) B Line LCD monitor 276B1JH

100W USB-C x2

Power Delivery

Contents

Contents Government Business 31.1 07

13

NEWS

31

Business Information for Local and Central Government

30TH ANNIVERSARY

35

ROAD MAINTENANCE

41

69

FIRE SAFETY

77

ENERGY

93

SOCIAL CARE

99

CYBER SECURITY

SMART CITIES

Government Business magazine

LEVELLING UP

36

STREET LIGHTING

57

WASTE MANAGEMENT

21

DRAINAGE

61

DAMP & MOULD

83

FRAMEWORKS

83

SMART CITIES

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

5

Hybrid Mail is a multi-channel communication tool that enables users to send out mission-critical, day-to-day citizen communications by post, e-mail, and SMS to drive operational efficiency, deliver cost-savings, simplify back-office tasks and improve customer experience.

▶ Features & benefits of Hybrid Mail

Speak to us today about your communication challenges E: hello@adaresec.com

W: www.adaresec.com

T: 01484 863 411

News

SOCIAL HOUSING

Awaab’s Law to put 24-hour limit on emergency repairs The government has announced new plans to clamp down on social housing landlords who do not provide safe homes.

The Housing Secretary has launched the Awaab’s Law consultation, which proposes time limits for social housing providers to address dangerous hazards like damp and mould.

The consultation proposes new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further seven days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours. Those who fail to take action can be taken to court and ordered to pay compensation to tenants.

Housing secretary Michael Gove said: “The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened. His family have shown courageous leadership, determination and dignity to champion these changes and now it’s time for us to deliver for them through Awaab’s Law. “Today is about stronger and more robust action against social landlords who have refused to take their basic responsibilities seriously for far too long. We will force them to fix their homes within strict new time limits and take immediate action to tackle dangerous damp and mould to help prevent future tragedies...

CONTINUE READING

LEVELLING UP

£20 million levelling up funding for Mansfield Mansfield has been announced as the third area to benefit from a regeneration programme.

Mansfield will receive £20 million to improve the town centre and its connectivity, support residents in the most deprived areas to access vital services and help divert young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour, and ensure the town is best prepared to benefit from future investment.

The funding includes £7.4m to remodel the Bellamy and Oak Tree estates and improve housing quality and access to services and £3.2m for a youth centre on the Bellamy estate to help divert young people from crime and anti-social behaviour. £5m will go to Mansfield Connect as an exemplar low-carbon construction project and for hands-on skills training for retrofit and modern methods of construction in partnership with Vision West Nottinghamshire College and Nottingham Trent University.

There will be £250,000 for a school readiness pilot run by Nottingham Trent University in some of Mansfield’s most deprived neighbourhoods and £250,000 of capacity funding for Mansfield District Council to identify its unique economic and cultural opportunities in preparation for the establishment of the new devolution deal in the East Midlands...

CONTINUE READING

Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

7

The smart integrated solution to protect people and places.

E

PLACE VIDEO HERE.

CAMPUS

RAILWAYS

Talk to us about how we can help YOU transform spaces and places.

Get in touch at sales@urbis-schreder.com

News

SOCIAL CARE

New plans to develop domestic care workforce The government has outlined plans aimed at improving the career prospects of the domestic care workforce with training, qualifications and a clearer care career path.

The plans will include better training for social care staff with over £50 million of funding for a new qualification. This will support up to 37,000 individuals in direct adult social care roles to enrol on the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification between June 2024 and March 2025.

There is also over £20 million for apprenticeships. Local authorities and adult social care providers will be able to use the money towards training and supervising hundreds of new social work and nurse apprentices.

A new digital leadership qualification will help equip social care leaders and managers to lead the implementation and use of technology in the delivery of care.

The announcement comes the same week as the Made with Care campaign, which is aimed at getting more people in the UK to consider a career in care.

Minister for social care, Helen Whately, said: “The workforce is the heartbeat of the social care sector and staff should be given the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

These changes will give brilliant care workers the chance to develop rewarding careers in social care...

CONTINUE READING

APPOINTMENTS

LGA names new Chief Executive Joanna Killian has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Local Government Association (LGA).

She is set to take up the role in March, from her current position as Chief Executive of Surrey County Council.

Killian has been chief executive of Surrey County Council, serving 1.2 million residents since 2018. She was also chief executive of Essex County Council from 2006 to 2015.

Killian has been the local government improvement commissioner at Liverpool City Council since June 2021 and is chair of the Association of County Chief Executives and Chair of Trustees at St Mungo’s.

Cllr Shaun Davies, chair of the LGA, said: “As we head into a General Election year, and with councils facing financial pressures like never before, the experience, skills and insight Joanna brings to the LGA will be a huge asset for the organisation and our membership.

“Her local government expertise, networks and knowledge developed in previous highprofile roles – both in councils and the private sector – will be invaluable in ensuring the LGA continues to be a strong and united voice for local government in the debates that matter.

The LGA’s political group leaders and I are all delighted that Joanna will be joining us soon.”

Killian said: “Local government plays a vital role in communities up and down the UK, making a real difference every single day. It’s a sector I feel very privileged to work in, and I’m glad to be continuing that journey with the LGA. “I know from my time at Surrey that councils are full of wonderful people, with bright ideas and huge energy, working hard to improve people’s lives. I look forward to working closely with local authorities of all types and...

CONTINUE READING

Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

9

News

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Funding announced for London road repairs

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Free disposal of DIY waste at recycling centres From the beginning of the year, households no longer have to pay to dispose of small-scale DIY waste at council recycling centres.

It is hoped the change will boost recycling and make it easier for people to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner.

The fees previously charged by around one-third of local authorities to dispose of DIY waste have been abolished by the government.

Now, all councils in England will treat DIY waste the same as other household waste when it meets certain conditions, such as not exceeding 2x 50L rubble bags.

Recycling minister Robbie Moore said: “We have delivered on our promise to make it easier and cheaper for people making home improvements to get rid of their waste properly.

“Removing charges for DIY waste at council recycling centres will help New Year home improvement projects become a reality and ensure that those disposing of waste responsibly aren’t being penalised for doing so.”

READ MORE

The Department for Transport has announced £235 million to upgrade and repair roads across London.

The funding is redirected from HS2 to resurface roads across the capital over the next 11 years.

Allocations for each London borough and Transport for London have been confirmed, meaning authorities can start spending immediately.

The allocations are based on the size of the road network that local authorities and TfL maintain respectively and include funding boosts over the next year of £354,000 for Hillingdon, £455,000 for Bromley and £368,000 for Barnet.

London boroughs will immediately receive around 96 per cent of the £7.5 million firstyear funding and TfL around 4 per cent.

Councils will be held accountable for how they spend the money by being required to publish regular updates on the proposed works and they could see future money withheld if they fail to do so.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: “This government is on the side of drivers and is investing £235 million to improve and repair London’s roads, part of the biggest-ever funding uplift for local road improvements.

“This funding is part of a long-term, 11-year plan to ensure road users across London have smoother, faster and safer journeys by using redirected HS2 funding to make the right longterm decisions for a brighter future.”

READ MORE

10 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Wales exceeds recycling targets Recycling rates in Wales have reached 65.7 per cent - higher than the statutory target of 64 per cent.

The recycling rate is the percentage of local authority collected municipal waste that is reused, recycled or composted.

The statutory minimum target will rise to 70 per cent in 2024-25. Five Welsh local authorities have already met this target - Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Bridgend, Ceredigion and Monmouthshire.

17 of Wales’s 22 local authorities exceeded the 64 per cent target, with 12 local authorities reporting an increase in performance on the previous year.

The recently published figures also show the lowest ever amount of waste sent to landfill.

There has also been a decrease in the proportion of waste disposed of via landfill. It is now 1.6 per cent, compared to 42 per cent in 2012-13. The target of sending less than 5 per cent to landfill by 2024-25 has already been met.

Minister for climate change, Julie James said: “The landfill and recycling stats once again show us what can be achieved when we all work together to tackle climate change and put in the hard work to ensure we’re building a green and prosperous Wales for future generations.

“Wales can be proud that its efforts are making a significant difference to emissions, saving around 400,000 tonnes of CO2 per year from being released into the atmosphere.

“Our recycling track record and now near total shift away from landfill is a fantastic platform for us to build on to tackle the climate and nature emergencies – but now is not the time to get complacent...

CONTINUE READING

News

WASTE MANAGEMENT

More top news stories from www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Plan to move government roles out of Westminster brought forward: READ MORE Welsh broadband rollout hits target: READ MORE High Street Accelerators programme launched to level up high streets: READ MORE LGA calls for Family Hub extension: READ MORE Council tax reduction scheme saves households £3.5 billion in Scotland: READ MORE Levelling up funding protects 70 pubs, theatres and museums: READ MORE Cardiff air quality improves compared to prepandemic levels: READ MORE Increased penalties for environmental offences: READ MORE London to continue providing universal free school meals next academic year offences: READ MORE WASTE MANAGEMENT

Reforms to improve electrical reuse and recycling The Government has announced reforms intended to make it easier for people and businesses to reuse and recycle their old electrical goods.

Statistics have shown that an estimated 155,000 tonnes of smaller household electricals such as cables, toasters, kettles and power tools are wrongly thrown in the bin each year and UK homes are thought to hoard a further 527 million unwanted electrical items containing valuable materials such as gold, silver and platinum.

On top of this, 500 tonnes of Christmas lights are discarded every year in the UK. A range of measures have been proposed within the joint UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive consultation for introduction from 2026, including UK-wide collections of waste electricals directly from households – saving the public from having to travel to distant electrical disposal points. The collections would be financed by producers of electrical items, not the taxpayer, and not necessarily require any ...

CONTINUE READING

Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

11

30th Anniversary

Business Information for Local and Central Government

Government Business celebrates 30 years Clive Beer, business development manager at Government Business looks back at the last three decades Government Business is celebrating 30 years of providing information services to the UK public sector and continues to go from strength to strength.

Launched in 1994, GB was intended to be a guide for senior specifiers across the UK providing insight into developments affecting procurement of both products and services.

Independent, unbiased editorial from professional bodies and industry experts highlight areas of both concern and potential for the improvement of public service provision.

It has been an exciting and challenging 30year journey with a number of major events providing the backdrop.

The millennium and the prediction of IT meltdown proved unfounded but vast sums were spent to protect infrastructure.

The financial crisis of 2008 was also a particularly nervous time with fears over service provision capability.

GB examined these and other major events with an informed and unbiased approach highlighting potential pitfalls and possible solutions.

The launch of the Crown Commercial Service Framework system enabled Private Sector organisations to work with the Public Sector in a more straightforward way and we regularly highlight specific frameworks.

Then of course, Covid-19 circled the globe with the subsequent consequences – pressure on the NHS, lockdowns, furlough payments and the massive increase in home working.

As the Pandemic struck, we quickly realised that a printed publication could not be guaranteed to reach our readers and the decision was made to move to digital distribution.

After 30 Years of consistent development, GB is ideally placed to move forward and cement its place as a leader in the field of Public Sector Information provision.

Here’s to the next 30!

Don’t forget to take part in our quiz, turn to page 2 for more information. L FURTHER INFORMATION

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

12 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

30th Anniversary

Four decades in local government

Business Information for Local and Central Government

John Marsh was first elected to Rushmoor Borough council in 1976, serving as Leader of the Council from 2000 to 2004 and as Mayor of Rushmoor on three separate occasions. Here, he looks back at his time with the council Over the years I have been involved, there have many changes but the basic requirement for a councillor remains the same – to serve the people of your ward and the Borough to make sure they get a good service (giving value for money) and responding to their questions and comments.

The old, rather large, committee system was changed (by the Government) to a Cabinet with six portfolios and a Leader. All decisions made by the cabinet were reported to the Council where members could ask questions. This was intended to speed up decision making. I was asked to be the first Leader under this system and so set up the initial cabinet. After four years, I decided to stand down and let someone else take the reins.

Allowances When I first became a Councillor, we received no remuneration at all. The Council then agreed to pay a fixed sum of £5 for each committee meeting attended; this gradually increased. The Government then decided that all councillors should receive a fixed allowance; this was set by an independent panel based on the hours spent and the local hourly rate. A higher allowance was set for those with added responsibility such as cabinet members. The review panel meets every few years.

to the Gurkha soldiers in the army) – they are integrating well even to the point of having three councillors from the Nepalese community.

The past few years has seen some large redevelopments (mainly on land vacated by the Military where they have moved to new barracks) and Rushmoor councillors have been involved in the planning of these new estates.

A major change took place when Farnborough’s Royal Aircraft Establishment closed down and the area re-developed, but the airfield remains – for business aviation use and the historic wind tunnels are protected as listed buildings.

I have been privileged to have been Mayor of the Borough on three occasions – the final time being 2022-2023 which coincided with the events of 2022 – three Prime Ministers, the loss of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II and the accession to the throne of Charles III. As Mayor, I had the rare duty to read the Proclamation to announce King Charles III as our new Monarch.

The first time this had been done for 70 years!

I retired from the Council in 2023 – having decided in advance that I would not seek reelection. L

Technology The use of modern technology has helped with decision making; this was particularly so during the pandemic, allowing meetings to take place remotely without gathering in committee rooms. In particular, the Planning committee benefited with the much-improved presentation of applications – photographs of application sites, the plans, etc.

Over the last few years this area has seen an increase in the Nepalese population (linked

13

30th Anniversary

Business Information for Local and Central Government

Looking back at 50 years of service Having served as a councillor at Reading Borough Council uninterrupted since 1973, Councillor Tony Page was elected Mayor of Reading on Wednesday 24 May 2023 and will now serve as Mayor for a period of 12 months until May 2024. He recounts some of the big moments from the last 50 years I have now served as an elected borough councillor in Reading uninterrupted since June 1973. When I was first elected we were in an international oil crisis, with conflict in the Middle East and a highly unstable international situation, all of which seems very familiar and, sadly, little changed.

Whilst the international background may offer many similarities, the world of English local government has changed enormously. In those 50 years, we have seen galloping centralisation of powers in England, with local government hugely undermined, resulting in England now being one of the most centralised European states.

It need not be like this and, indeed, until the end of the 70s, councils had full control over the domestic and business rates they levied, without central interference or control. All was about to change!

14

30th Anniversary

During the recent pandemic, the ‘stars’ were local authorities who responded swiftly and effectively as partners central control ever exercised by Governments over English local councils.

1980s & 90s We entered the early 1980s with a new Government led by Margaret Thatcher, whose dislike of local government spawned measures that led us to the current pinnacle of centralised government. We had rate-capping controls; the abolition of a whole tier of six new metropolitan county councils plus the Greater London Council and bruising battles with authorities in Liverpool and Lambeth. Then in 1990, the introduction of the ‘community charge’, better known as the poll tax, lost Mrs Thatcher her premiership following major riots, and control over business rates was removed from local councils to the Treasury.

Michael Heseltine rushed in a new ‘temporary’ Council tax system based on banded property valuations (which have remained unchanged and highly regressive) and, throughout the period since the early 90s, the maximum percentage increase in council tax has been laid down each year by central government. This along with centralised business rates remains the greatest act of

1997 and beyond Labour and Tory Governments since 1997 have maintained the huge dominance of Whitehall, with new directly elected Mayors subject to the same restrictions. ‘Devolution deals’ to date offer no new financial independence or revenue raising powers which should be the real test of genuine devolution.

Notwithstanding the impact of grant cuts of over 40 per cent in real terms since 2010, English local government remains the most efficient part of the public sector. In fact during the recent pandemic, the ‘stars’ were local authorities who responded swiftly and effectively as partners, thereby being crucial to the vaccination roll-out, and wider health and financial support.

Looking to the future I hope that the next Government will reinvigorate local government within a genuinely devolved structure. This should be based on a framework of unitary local government, with a regional tier (which could also nominate members to a streamlined and reformed upper house), thereby allowing government to focus on those issues that can only be dealt with at the national level.

Financing this new structure needs to be made more equitable at local level, recognising the need for continuing central grants to less welloff councils, and permitting new and diverse sources of revenue. It just needs political will! L

15

30th Anniversary

Business Information for Local and Central Government

30 years as a councillor Cllr Martin Hill has been in councillor in Lincolnshire since 1993.

Here, he looks back over the last three decades Over the last 30 years, local government has seen some significant changes, and the pace of that transformation seems to have accelerated recently.

I was first elected to Lincolnshire County Council in 1993 and have been the councillor for Folkingham Rural ever since. That year also saw the introduction of the council tax, which replaced the short-lived community charge or poll tax. Over the years, the council tax has become an ever more important strand of funding for local authorities, particularly given the reduction in our central government grants in recent years.

This was followed in the late 1990s by major reformation of the structure of local government, when a number of new unitary authorities were created. Although Lincolnshire remained a two-tier system, in 1996, our neighbouring county Humberside was abolished, with new councils being created in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.

Then, in 1997, Rutland, to the south of Lincolnshire, also became a unitary authority, leaving Leicestershire.

In later years, our four authorities would work together closely as part of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership,

16 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

2008 financial crisis In 2005, I became leader of the county council, and, as a result, I was responsible for steering the authority through perhaps the most turbulent period in local government history.

Following the 2008 global financial crisis, it became clear that the public sector was going to have to tighten its belt to help the country balance the books. Local government was asked to find significant savings to help protect other areas, such as health and education, and, during the years that followed, we saw a substantial reduction in our government funding. It soon became clear that business as usual would not be an option and that we were going to have to reassess our priorities and make major changes to our services.

As an authority, we’d always had a strong focus on delivering value for money, and we managed to make significant savings by finding more efficient ways of working, using new technologies to streamline our operations.

However, we still had to make some tough decisions about which services to protect and which to reduce or even stop completely. We began by carrying out an extensive consultation with our residents to identify their priorities.

Following the 2008 global financial crisis, it became clear that the public sector was going to have to tighten its belt to help the country balance the books

30th Anniversary

which was created in 2011, primarily to replace the regional development agency. This new partnership gave our local area greater control of our economic future and enabled us to unlock millions of pounds of investment to drive growth in our area.

The clear message was that our focus should be on protecting those life-or-death services, such as child protection, adult care, road maintenance and the fire service. Of course, this meant major changes had to be made to those that were seen as more ‘nice to do’. For example, we introduced a new-model library service, which saw enthusiastic community groups take on the running of many of our smaller sites. Not only did this bring millions of pounds in savings, but it also led to the opening of some new libraries, and, in some areas, brought together a range of community services under a single roof, making them easier to access.

Over the next few years, we reshaped our services, and, during this period, we had to take some very difficult and often unpopular decisions. However, the end result was a council that managed to achieve the difficult balance of delivering those vital services our residents relied on while also living within its reduced means. E

17

30th Anniversary

Local government saw significant disruption from covid, and at a time when our residents needed us most F Covid Having successfully navigated this period, we soon faced a second major challenge – the pandemic. Like the rest of the country, local government saw significant disruption from covid, and at a time when our residents needed us most. Within a matter of weeks, we had to adapt to new ways of working, with our staff working hard to find innovative ways of continuing to deliver vital services despite the extensive restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. During this time, councils played a vital role in their communities, particularly our public health teams, who were on hand to help the county navigate each new protective measure and deal with any outbreaks. Our staff spent a lot of time supporting local schools, who helped keep key workers on the frontlines by continuing to care for their children.

Many of the changes to working practices, such as increased use of online meetings and greater

Cllr Martin Hill, Lincolnshire County Council

flexibility in working location, have remained in place following the pandemic, creating a more agile workforce. In addition, we continue to live stream our public meetings and look at ways to further develop our online services, making the authority more responsive to our residents’ needs. These new technologies have also brought new savings, which have been particularly helpful during this period of rising costs, which have put new pressure on council budgets.

The future Looking ahead, funding clearly remains a major issue for local government. Despite the financial challenges we’ve faced, including a low funding base, Lincolnshire County Council remains in a relatively stable position thanks to our careful management. However, like everyone else, we are not immune to the impact of inflation and rising energy costs. In addition, it’s long been recognised that rural counties like Lincolnshire face particular challenges as a result of their sparsely spread and aging populations. So, we need to see progress from the government on the Fair Funding Review, the resetting of business rates, and plans for making adult care more sustainable. We will continue to push them on levelling the playing field.

One step in the right direction is the recently published devolution deal for Greater

18

Lincolnshire, which is the next major change for local government in our area. This has seen our county offered extra powers and funding, which would place decisions about our economic future in local hands and give us a stronger voice in negotiations with government about investment and services in our area. Initially, that will mean greater control over decisions relating to transport, skills and training, housing, economic growth, and the environment. However, this list of responsibilities is expected to grow as the deal matures. Devolution has been a long-

30th Anniversary

Business Information for Local and Central Government

New challenges will inevitably arise – but councils will be ready to meet them term ambition for our council, and we are now consulting our residents on the proposals.

If my 30 years at the authority has taught me anything about local government, it is that new challenges will inevitably arise – but councils will be ready to meet them. L

19

O2 Motion/ONS – developing new data sets and analysis

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has partnered with O2 Business to access UK-wide aggregated travel data during the Covid-19 pandemic.

O2 Motion uses all the mobile events that O2 UK captures every single day. This information is then extrapolated to represent the national population. Using this data along with demographic data,

O2 Motion can show which types of people are where and when.

In 2020, ONS sought extensive data sets covering movement trends in the UK. Fully anonymised O2 Motion data of 25m users was instrumental for providing robust and timely evidence for Government policy.

Bespoke daily and weekly data sets were provided to ONS in easily accessible formats, and with a refreshed feed every 24 hours, O2 Motion data was up to date and in near realtime – crucial in a fast-moving pandemic landscape.

O2 Business also adapted

data sets to gain additional insights at ONS’s request. For example, focusing on older age demographics to understand the behaviour of vulnerable elderly people in the UK, observing mobility around parks and public spaces and how people moved around in specific ‘hotspot’ regions.

O2 continues to work with ONS to develop new data sets, analyse existing data and offer new insights. L FURTHER INFORMATION

https://www.o2.co.uk/ business/solutions/mobile/ data-mobile/o2-motion

Published by

Business Information for Local and Central Government

020 8532 0055 www.psi-media.co.uk

Click here for your FREE subscription and to receive the latest issue and newsletter direct to your inbox

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk 20 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Levelling Up

What you need to know about High Street Rental Auctions Michael Duncan, senior associate in the Built Environment sector at independent UK law firm Burges Salmon investigates High Street Rental Auctions in the context of the Levelling Up act The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act recently received Royal Assent – as such, a major new piece of legislation has now entered the statute books.

The decline in high street retail was one of the factors that prompted the Government to introduce the new legislation, with the purpose to “drive local growth, empower local leaders to regenerate their areas, and ensure everyone can share in the United Kingdom’s success.”

The Act includes provisions to give local authorities the power to put empty high-street properties into mandatory rental auctions, and, as of last week, local authorities have officially been granted those powers.

The measures introduced are novel and radical, and the impact of high-street rental auctions (HSRA) on the commercial property market are potentially wide-ranging. Here we consider some of the practical implications for landlords, tenants and the affected markets.

What are HSRA? Under the Act, local authorities can conduct a HSRA, if a “final letting notice” is in force and the property in question remains vacant.

Following the HSRA, the local authority would enter into a “tenancy contract” with the successful bidder. The proposed lease must have a term of at least one year, but no more than five years. Under the Act, there is no minimum level of rent that must be paid by the successful bidder. For the purpose of entering into the tenancy contract, the local authority would effectively become a landlord.

The suitable “high-street use” must be specified by the local authority before the HSRA; and local authorities appear to have the freedom to specify more than one use.

Property maintenance Local authorities will be empowered to grant tenancies to a “successful bidder”. However, E Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

21

Levelling Up

Would other factors, such as a commitment by the tenant to renovate the premises (or at least put them into repair) be taken into account?

F no guidance is given as to the criteria under which rental offers should be assessed. For example, is the best offer merely the offer under which the tenant agrees to pay the most rent? Or would other factors, such as a commitment by the tenant to renovate the premises (or at least put them into repair) be taken into account?

If rent is the only criteria, landlords could be forced to enter into tenancies, without tenants covenanting to fully maintain premises throughout the duration of a lease. This would create a risk of premises falling into disrepair and the character of high streets being adversely impacted. Upon lease expiry, landlords would then be forced to either market the premises in the condition they have been left or carry out their own repairs.

Fairness between tenants As well as rent, there are a number of other costs that tenants are usually liable for under a lease – e.g. business rates, insurance rent and service charges. This is particularly the case when premises forms part of a larger property and the landlord retains responsibility for structural repairs and other matters that affect the whole of the building.

Generally, landlords seek to have standardised service-charge regimes that allocate costs fairly between tenants and which are structured in such a way as to reduce the administrative burden associated with providing services, raising a service charge, and collecting payment.

If local authorities are granting leases which are not aligned with the other leases that have been granted in a building, this could result in unfair outcomes for tenants and complex issues for landlords to navigate as they seek to deliver services in a fair and cost-effective way.

Landlord and tenant relationships Under the Act, a landlord may find itself in a position whereby it is forced to enter into a tenancy which may be contrary to its commercial objectives, including ESG considerations and other valid concerns.

Further, during negotiations for a grant of a new tenancy, it is usual for landlords to provide proposed tenants with information and documentation relating to the property, e.g. title documentation, information relating to the rights of third parties over the premises, and whether the premises is subject to any particular restrictions which might affect the proposed use.

In circumstances where a landlord is opposed to a letting for some reason, it could withhold relevant information and may not co-operate as effectively with tenants who have been granted a lease pursuant to a HSRA. Many prospective, sophisticated, commercial tenants may take the view that the risks associated with taking a lease from an unwilling landlord are not worth the potential benefits, given that there is a ready supply of retail premises on the high street.

Impact on the local market In theory, a prospective commercial tenant could bid on a premises and offer £1 per annum in rent and, if they are the only bidder, would be awarded a lease of the premises.

This would have a very significant effect on rental values on the area in question, if tenancies that were awarded pursuant to HSRA could be included as comparable evidence for the purpose of statutory lease renewals and, to some extent, rent reviews. (The effect on rent reviews being mitigated by the fact that most leases provide for upwards-only rent reviews.)

22 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Conclusion The Government’s objective for HSRA may be to incentivise landlords to do deals with potential tenants, in circumstances where stagnation

HSRA may simply encourage landlords to press ahead with repurposing their stock

Levelling Up

In this context, landlords, property developers, and other stakeholders’, willingness to invest in the high street could be adversely affected, if the current downward trend on rental values is accelerated and deepened, which seems to be a likely consequence of the Government’s proposals.

Landlords are also likely to think twice about carrying out significant renovation and improvement works, if their property is in an area which could be subject to HSRA. Further, HSRA may simply encourage landlords to press ahead with repurposing their stock – e.g. from commercial to residential – rather than having the effect of reviving the high street per se. This may, of course, be one of the Government’s objectives for HSRA (albeit one that has not been expressly stated).

may have taken hold of the market. Landlords, on the other hand, will argue that the reason why high-street properties are lying empty is not the levels of rent being sought, but instead, broader, social and economic factors.

The general consensus, however, appears to be that the HSRA process will fail to tackle the real issues affecting high-street retail as it continues to feel the effect of high business rates and digital retailing. It is worth noting that the new legislation merely gives local authorities the option to implement HSRA. Given the potential for litigation arising from the exercise of these new powers, and the existing resourcing pressures on local authorities, whether local authorities will choose to use them or not is another matter. L

23

Advertisement Feature

EXPERT PANEL DELIVERING SOCIAL VALUE

GB spoke to James Wells, local government lead at Virgin Media O2 Business; Evie Metcalfe, social value lead at Virgin Media O2 Business; Rob Benson, project manager, Digital Inclusion, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; and Sharon Sanders, digital inclusion programme manager at Bradford Council about how local authorities can take the lead in delivering social value

James Wells, local government lead, Virgin Media O2 Business

Evie Metcalfe, social value lead, Virgin Media O2 Business

James has over 30 years’ experience in the telecoms industry and has mostly aligned to supporting the UK Public Sector marketplace. In his current role, James is primarily responsible for working solely with local and central governments to drive the digital agenda and subsequently improve organisational and citizen outcomes.

Passionate about sustainability and driving social impact, Evie has spent the last three-anda-half years working closely with the public and third sector to deliver social value programmes across the UK.

Rob Benson, project manager, Digital Inclusion, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Rob Benson helps to deliver digital support and coordination across Liverpool, working with partners across the community and voluntary sector, businesses and organisations to tackle digital challenges across six local authority areas.

Sharon Sanders, digital inclusion programme manager, Bradford Council Sharon is a successful interim transformation and change programme leader, delivering improved services for customers and efficiency savings, and has two decades of experience across the public and private sectors. Sharon is passionate about helping people to navigate changes, empowering them with the necessary skills to thrive in new ways of working.

24 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

useful purpose and give a return to citizens and their environment.”

Sharon Sanders highlighted the importance of digital inclusion: “As digital skills become increasingly vital, local authorities have pivotal role to play in generating social value through digital inclusion. Digital exclusion is a serious problem in the UK and local authorities can make a significant impact. This means working collaboratively with the NHS, Public Health, Voluntary Community Sector and beyond, to develop local initiatives that meet the needs of our communities.”

Advertisement Feature

We first began discussing the importance of social value and the benefits for local authorities. James Wells said: “Social value is all about ensuring that public money is being used effectively and efficiently to deliver citizen benefits in our communities. Local authorities are uniquely positioned to understand the needs of citizens in their administrative area due to the vast number of public services they deliver. Their understanding of the citizen demography, and how socio-economic outcomes can be improved through the use of digital, allows for interventions to be implemented. “ Rob Benson added: “Creating social value is crucial for local authorities, particularly when looking at the perspective from Liverpool City Region, which spans six authority areas.

By prioritising resident support, our focus aim is to ensure no one is left behind. Digital exclusion, which is often overlooked, affects how our residents access vital services and also has a knock-on effect on social inclusion.

Local and combined authorities must lead in addressing this, emphasising resources on digital support and guidance.”

Evie Metcalfe commented: “Local authorities are facing cuts and budgets are getting smaller, and this means that money needs to be spent more responsibly. A way to spend more responsibly is to build social value into contracts. This doesn’t necessarily mean the use of cheaper solutions. Instead, public money needs to be spent mindfully to have a

Delivery As Sharon Sanders mentioned above, local authorities are in a good position to deliver social value.

Evie Metcalfe stated: “Local authorities are in such a good position to deliver social value because of the way they are structured from a departmental perspective. Departments have multiple different objectives from supporting jobs or start-ups to the third sector which align to social value. E

As digital skills become increasingly vital, local authorities have pivotal role to play in generating social value through digital inclusion

25

Advertisement Feature F “This is why local authorities are leading the charge in addressing digital exclusion. Working on contracts that focus on recruitment, startups or small businesses, the general make-up of a local authority is designed to support social value with individuals who have a vested interest in each area, who can lend their expertise to particular areas in contracts.”

Rob Benson continued: “Local authorities, particularly combined authorities, are uniquely positioned to deliver social value as we closely understand our regions. Our role is not just administrative; we actively add value to ongoing initiatives, providing essential support to individuals. With a robust presence in the voluntary sector, we lead interventions and pilots, leveraging resources for maximum impact.”

James Wells said: “Local authorities have a single pane of glass view of what citizens in their area are demanding. This knowledge has seen local authorities sometimes using food banks to reach the needy to distribute devices with pre-populated connectivity plans.

It all comes down to understanding need, and seeing the crossover between people needing to use foodbanks and those who may be digitally excluded.”

Sharon Sanders added: “Local authorities are catalysts for social value creation. We are the bodies that work with residents to understand the unique challenges they face.

“Local authorities can also amplify local conversations at a regional and national level. By having a seat at the table during national discussions, local authorities can align nationwide goals to reduce disparities and voice how to best overcome ongoing

local challenges, using information from their observations and face-to-face interactions with people in the community. In this way, they can best improve the overall social fabric of their communities and ensure no-one gets left behind.”

Boosting social value We moved on to discussing what local authorities can do to boost social value and what they are doing already.

Evie Metcalfe said: “Procurement is the low-hanging fruit – ultimately, procurement teams are the ones deciding the questions for social value contracts and how it’s being marked. They have a responsibility to ensure that these commitments are being delivered in the lifetime of the contract as there aren’t necessarily individual teams to hold suppliers to account.”

James Wells said: “From a contractual perspective, local authorities can improve the extent to which they leverage the art of the possible. The picture has been improving in the last three years or so with the wider adoption of the TOMs framework. TOMs helps to provide a template for how local authorities can maximise value from their contracts however, there is still more to do from a digital inclusion perspective.”

Sharon Sanders added: “In the short term, local authorities with external partners need to be creative to maximise social value.

Just because funding grants don’t explicitly mention digital inclusion, doesn’t mean that schemes to support citizens accessing digital tools will not support the specific area of grant required. By understanding local issues and

26 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

With the absence of EU funds, we are actively exploring alternative avenues, focusing on supporting digital connectivity and tools in voluntary community centres

Advertisement Feature

communities, authorities can deliver digital inclusion programmes to support key local issues in environments where people feel able to engage with digital.”

Rob Benson pointed out: “One example is we have supported the work taking place across the NHS Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care Board on digital inclusion, ensuring seamless connectivity within existing programs.

Collaborating with IT teams, organisations can repurpose recycled phones and kit, aligning with the national device and databank offer from the Good Things Foundation. We’ve introduced care packages for housing and homeless schemes, embedding digital inclusion in established initiatives.”

Finally, we looked at some of the barriers to social value and how these can be overcome.

Rob Benson said: “Currently, resource constraints pose a significant barrier, but despite this we strive for innovation as much as we can with these limitations. With the absence of EU funds, we are actively exploring alternative avenues, focusing on supporting digital connectivity and tools in voluntary community centres. Securing buy-in from senior levels is crucial. We emphasise a collaborative, non-siloed approach, embedding this work in every department’s initiative.”

James Wells agreed: “Unsurprisingly, the biggest barrier to improving social value is available funding and resource. Often within social value, digital inclusion is the main point of focus, and some local authorities are delivering very well, particularly in urban areas. However, in other areas – especially rural locations, which may be overlooked - they can be falling behind.”

Evie Metcalfe said: “If local authorities want to deliver social value and actual benefit to communities, you need to think about what the community will actually benefit from.

Time needs to be put aside to evaluate this.

The work achieved by Bristol City Council is great example. They have their own Themes, Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) framework and they cherry pick aspects of that model that are most relevant for the contract. Suppliers are very clearly asked about the precise benefits that they can bring the Bristol community, and this creates differentiation.”

Sharon Sanders concluded: “Barriers should be seen as opportunities. Embracing technology is an opportunity and by adjusting their sails, local authorities can evaluate new technologies and solve the new challenges that come with them. For example, new technology like A.I. is moving at pace and has the potential to achieve great things, but what is the impact of rapid A.I. developments on local communities?” L FURTHER INFORMATION

www.virginmediao2business.co.uk/public-sector www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk www.bradford.gov.uk

27

See how ink specialist brand, edding, can help you towards your corporate sustainability goals

▶ 01727 846688 info@edding.co.uk Scan the QR code to learn more about edding's sustainability initiatives

Advertisement Feature

Ink specialist brand, edding, helping towards your corporate sustainability goals Switching to edding’s EcoLine and joining the Return Box initiative isn’t just a choice; it’s a statement. A statement that your company is dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and reaching their corporate sustainability goals

edding’s EcoLine has been setting the standard in corporate sustainability since 2009! The EcoLine range has not just evolved but has set new benchmarks in green, climate-friendly credentials, such as achieving a significant milestone in 2020 by becoming completely climate-neutral.

Of the total plastic used in crafting edding’s permanent markers, whiteboard markers, and flipchart markers, a staggering 83 per cent is sourced from post-consumer plastics. This translates to an impressive 90 per cent recycled material overall. Choosing the EcoLine products means contributing to a substantial reduction of approximately 126 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Furthermore, the edding EcoLine highlighters proudly became the first markers ever to receive the prestigious “Blue Angel” ecolabel, which is a guarantee that the product has been made with a lower environmental impact and a high level of health protection.

What’s new?

Now taking sustainability a step further, edding is proud to introduce their Return Box scheme. It’s more than just stationery; it’s a commitment to a circular economy.

How it works is to simply choose products from the EcoLine range for your stationery needs.

Enjoy the quality products while minimising your environmental impact. Then return back to edding UK, free of charge, when your stationery runs out, by placing the used items in the edding Return Box. The beauty is that any brand of pen or marker can be placed in the return box, edding then takes care of the recycling process, ensuring that the materials are reused to create new EcoLine products.

The benefits of edding’s Return Box scheme is that your organisation’s used stationery becomes the building blocks for new EcoLine products, creating a closedloop system that minimises waste.

To make your employees’ lives even easier, there is no need to worry about separating materials. Just return the used stationery, and edding will handle the rest. Furthermore, once returned, your organisation can showcase their commitment to sustainability with a certificate recognising your participation in the edding Return Box initiative.

By partnering with edding you will be a part of the movement that’s reshaping the corporate landscape — one recycled marker at a time. L FURTHER INFORMATION

info@edding.co.uk 01727 846688 Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

29

Reduce your carbon footprint this winter with the best eco-friendly ice melt for public areas

▶ ▶

www.ecogrit.co.uk NO-RE FREEZE

EcoGrit Concentrate

Don’t slip up this winter!

Road Maintenance

Could record Government investment in local roads be a game changer?

Rick Green, chair of the Asphalt Industry Alliance, investigates how best to use government funding for road improvements Potholes on our local roads are a curse, but they are not inevitable: they are the symptom of an underfunded network, one which has deteriorated to a point where it is more susceptible to the effects of extreme weather events, increased traffic volumes and rising costs due to inflationary pressures.

Poor road conditions can also be the cause of accidents and damage to vehicles, as recent reports from both the RAC and AA would attest, as well being a source of immense frustration for drivers and potentially dangerous for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Local authority highway teams have a legal responsibility to keep our roads safe, but just

haven’t had the funds to do so in a cost-effective, proactive and most sustainable way. They can only do so much with the resources they have been given, but repeatedly filling potholes is indicative of a network on the edge and is less efficient when it comes to materials usage and carbon emissions than planned preventative maintenance in enhancing resilience.

That’s why we’ve been calling for surety of funding over the long-term, so we welcomed the Government’s announcement of record investment in local road maintenance. The additional £8.3 billion over 11 years is a positive move which recognises that improving our local roads is about more than filling in potholes and has the potential to be a real game changer. E

31

Road Maintenance

F This 11-year funding commitment, coupled with greater transparency of reporting, should allow local highway teams to take a longerterm view and implement a more cost-effective whole-life approach to maintaining the network.

Long-term funding The AIA-supported All Party Parliamentary Group for Better Roads report Working for Better Roads, launched in September 2023, highlighted that longer-term funding, direct budget allocation and more accountability leads to improved local road conditions, so we are pleased that these fundamentals form part of the Department for Transport’s announcement.

ALARM The APPG report was informed by the results of our Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey, an independent survey we commission each year of local authority highway departments in England (including London) and Wales. It aims to take a snapshot of the general condition of the local road network – based on information supplied directly by those responsible for its maintenance – and the data received provides a means of tracking any improvement or deterioration as well as allowing trends to be reported.

Rick Green, chair of the Asphalt Industry Alliance

32

The link between continued underinvestment and the ongoing structural decline and below-par surface conditions of our local roads is clear The APPG report reviewed the success of the Pothole Action Fund, which formed part of a six-year commitment (2015/16 to 2020/21) to English local authority highway teams, who were able to use the secure funding for preventative maintenance and resurfacing works as well as pothole repairs.

It used ALARM data to track the impact of the additional funds, demonstrating that the Pothole Action Fund was successful in contributing to improvements in the structural conditions of the local road network but, since its replacement, many of the gains made have been lost.

Analysis indicates that this funding was allocated directly for highway maintenance and led to a marked improvement in the proportion of the local network classed as being in ‘good’ condition, indicating they had 15 years or more structural life remaining.

Almost 12,400 miles (seven per cent) of the English local road network moved into this category during the life of the Fund. But, since 2021, when the Pothole Action Fund was incorporated into local authorities’ general block highway funding, the number of roads classed as ‘good’ has dropped by five per cent (8,800 miles).

The link between continued underinvestment and the ongoing structural decline and belowpar surface conditions of our local roads is clear. ALARM 2023 reported that it would now take £14.02 billion – the highest recorded in 28 years of ALARM surveys – to tackle the backlog of repairs in England and Wales and bring them up to a condition from which they could be effectively managed going forward. This equates to more than £68,000 – as a one-off catch-up cost – for every mile of local road in England and Wales.

Benefits This Government investment will benefit us all as road users and well-kept local roads are also good for the local economy as they allow for more reliable and energy-efficient journeys and keep communities connected.

Road Maintenance

Well-kept local roads are also good for the local economy as they allow for more reliable and energy-efficient journeys Surety of funding will also allow local authorities to take a whole-life approach to specifying lower carbon materials, such as asphalts produced at lower production temperatures to reduce the carbon emissions associated with road construction and maintenance.

In addition, longer-term Government investment will also help give the asphalt supply chain confidence to further invest in plant upgrades, materials innovation and technical advancements to support the ongoing development and delivery of lower carbon roads, in line with net zero carbon ambitions.

To summarise, we are cautiously optimistic that the Government’s new £8.3 billion commitment will make a marked difference to the condition of our local roads providing local authority highway teams know exactly what funds will be coming their way each year over the 11-year funding term. This will enable them to support a lower carbon, whole-life approach to local road maintenance and help deliver a sustained improvement in conditions and

enhanced network resilience. It would also save money over the long term and ensure our local roads are able to support future challenges.

But, as is often the case, the devil will be in the detail, and it is also important that cash-strapped councils don’t redirect this central Government highway maintenance funding to other areas. That’s why, despite the record levels of pledged investment, tracking allocations to – and spending on – local roads maintenance remains important in the years ahead. L

The Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) is a partnership between the Mineral Products Association (MPA) and Eurobitume UK. We draw on the knowledge and experience of both organisations to increase awareness of the asphalt industry and to promote the uses and benefits of asphalt to specifiers, policymakers and the general public.

FURTHER INFORMATION

www.asphaltuk.org Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

33

BEI Lighting has been trading for 48 years, established in 1976.

BEI Lighting has become a Leading Street Lighting Distributor in the UK

EV

EV • 1000’s of lighting columns, sign posts & brackets in stock • We have a wide range of road and street lighting products available • We have large ranges of floodlights, amenity lighting, bollard lighting and much more • Multiple EV charging options available, new installs and retro-fit, including an extensive range of feeder pillars Added Value Services We have two large fabrication workshops and three large paint workshops on site in South Wales. The fabrication workshops combined with our onsite design team allow us to offer bespoke options to suit your needs, as well as customisation services for existing product. Our onsite paint workshops offer a wide range of options from standard and PSX paint finishes to powder coating and much more all within industry leading time frames.

Get in touch today!

01656 645414 sales@beilighting.com 14208 WK50/2023

Street Lighting

Keeping the lights on Street lights are essential infrastructure, providing visibility, safety and a sense of security for pedestrians, motorists and others who use the roads and pavements Streetlights are important for a number of reasons – first and foremost safety and crime prevention. Well-lit areas deter certain criminals that benefit from the cover of darkness. In 2022, the College of Policing reported that: “Overall, improved street lighting has been found to reduce crime. On average, violent and property crime reduced by 21 per cent in areas where street lighting was improved, relative to areas where it was not.”

Street lighting also improves the feeling of safety, meaning people are happier and more likely to be out in the evenings and contribute to the night-time economy.

This also improves quality of life for those living in the area, by extending the hours of outdoor activities, fostering community engagement, and creating a more inviting public space.

Street lighting is important for traffic flow and road safety. It can help drivers to navigate roads, intersections, and pedestrian crossings. It also improves safety for pedestrians on pavements and crossing roads.

There are several things you can do to ensure the continuing function of streetlights, to continue to provide benefits for those in the area.

Where energy and cost savings are important, consider the adoption of LED technology.

Most councils have already started to replace all or some of their lights as part of regular maintenance. LED lights consume less energy than traditional bulbs and have a longer lifespan.

As well as reducing energy costs, making the switch also reduces maintenance.

Carrying out energy audits can help to identify areas for improvement in energy efficiency.

Measures like dimming during off-peak hours, motion sensors, and optimising light intensity can lead to substantial energy savings without compromising safety.

Smart lighting solutions are also an option.

These systems enable remote monitoring and control. Sensors and automation technologies can amend lighting levels based on the environmental conditions, traffic patterns, or time of day. This means that lights are only on when they need to be.

Regular maintenance is a necessity – scheduled inspections and repairs mean issues are addressed promptly. This prevents prolonged downtime and reduces overall maintenance costs. Proactive maintenance also increases longevity.

Financial incentives, grants and partnerships should also be investigated. Funds like the Safer Streets Fund are available. Partnerships with private companies can also help offset the initial investment costs, making the transition to more sustainable lighting solutions more economically feasible.

Street lighting is needed for visibility, safety and security. Whilst it is important to save money and energy, there are ways this can be done while ensuring that the lights do stay on. L Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

35

Drainage

Keeping drains in sound condition Peter Stacey, honorary life president of the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC) gives some top tips for keeping the drainage system working Having spent some 53 years in the drainage industry dealing with emergency blockages within domestic, commercial, and industrial premises, it is a simple fact that the majority of blockages and flooding situations could easily have been avoided had simple precautionary measures been adopted.

Keep things clean & tidy Keeping all external areas clean and tidy would minimise, if not avoid, many flood occurrences.

When rainfall is present, any loose lying rubbish in open spaces can easily wash down and cover grids and fill gullies causing flooding directly into properties. Once water is able to enter a property, serious damage can occur to floors,

36

Drainage

An annual inspection of drains, either visual or with CCTV, and cleaning of the system as appropriate can save a lot of time and trouble and the bank once again becomes able to absorb water. It could be suggested that an application of common sense in not installing the membrane and wood chippings in the first place would have avoided the problem. This holds equally to the increasing preponderance of installing concrete, paving or tarmac surfaces on gardens and driveways which often cause flooding issues.

carpets, furniture, and even affect the structure of the building itself. The point here is that everyone can contribute to helping reduce flooding by not littering and leaving rubbish in open spaces. But it goes beyond that. In a recent call out to clear a drain, it became obvious that wood chippings on top of a nonporous membrane on the side of a bank were responsible for a serious blockage. Whilst the blockage could be cleared, the problem will repeat itself time after time unless the membrane and wood chippings are removed,

Maintenance Undertaking regular maintenance avoids problems before they happen. In the majority of emergency situations, blockages within drains, with the potential to cause flooding, frequently occur as a direct result of a lack of maintenance.

An annual inspection of drains, either visual or with CCTV, and cleaning of the system as appropriate can save a lot of time and trouble.

Inspection can also identify far more serious problems such as structural defects, which can include broken or damaged pipes, root ingress, or subsidence, and even identify the potential collapse of a drain itself. Early identification of these problems enables remediation before potentially catastrophic consequences may occur. Further, early detection of a problem and remediation can save a lot of money. The cost E

37

Drainage

scraping all food debris off plates, wiping any FOG residue off with a paper towel and throwing it in a bin, and then washing with hot water and detergent can make a big difference. Also, those food outlets that have grease interceptors (which help to separate grease from water and hold it in a reservoir) should have them emptied and serviced at least once a year. Ideally all food outlets should have grease traps fitted, and there is a strong argument that they should be legally required.

The maintenance of major infrastructure in the public sector should be compulsory F of a CCTV survey is very reasonable, and trenchless technology (using electro mech and/or milling, and patching or re-lining) to repair broken pipework can save massively on excavation and repair which may become inevitable in the case of a serious drain failure.

FOG Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) management is really important.

The buildup of FOG in drains and sewers, when combined with the likes of wet wipes and sanitary towels, can cause blockages which cause severe damage. It is not just about fatbergs in major sewers (one in London weighed over 10 tonnes), blockages are most common in small bore pipework, often close to the source of the problem; most frequently restaurants and cafes.

Pouring hot fat or oil down a sink drain will almost inevitably lead to problems, and when hot water and detergents are not used during the washing of plates, pots and pans, the grease residue will not dissolve and cling to the side of pipes, creating a reduction in the outgoing pipe size. It is then that a blockage will occur with an attendant cost to rectify. Simple measures like

38

Infrastructure Looking after major infrastructure is a must.

Regular maintenance of highways, street gullies (and gully pots) and pipe networks can help prevent major flood events, but it is often neglected because of tight budgets and poor management. Lack of maintenance will not only lead to flood events, but also can result in potholes, which in turn yield debris being washed into already backed up systems.

This can cause increased damage from road construction materials to the road and pipe infrastructure. This becomes a vicious circle ultimately causing more flooding to the surrounding environment. These days there are very sophisticated tankers with vacuuming and flush through capability that can maintain systems on a massive scale. This is at a very

In summary So, what are the best practices that should be adopted to keep our drains and sewers flowing to minimise the risk of flooding.

Keep all open areas near drainage grid covers and gullies free from rubbish and leaves and

Keep all open areas near drainage grid covers and gullies free from rubbish and leaves

Drainage

economic cost when set against the damage that surface water flooding can cause. The maintenance of major infrastructure in the public sector should be compulsory, with regular inspections being scheduled to ensure it happens. It should not be left to the vagaries of local short-term budgetary issues or poor management. Relatively economic investment in maintenance today can save vastly greater costs of remediating major flood issues in the future.

Another factor is the reliance on old infrastructure that can no longer handle the capacity required, an example being combined sewage and surface systems, which should be separated. Simple surveying techniques can identify such infrastructure allowing for targeted investment in remediation. Drainage contractors frequently come across such infrastructure and could be a valued resource in targeting investment to where it is needed most, and arguably this could form part of a Government-funded scheme.

use common sense before covering porous surfaces with non-porous materials. Regularly inspect drains with CCTV to pre-empt blockages occurring and exercise diligence in not allowing FOG to enter the drainage system. Only use toilets for the purpose for which they are designed – the three Ps (pee, poo and paper).

Empty and service interceptors and gully collection pots on a regular basis and manage major infrastructure properly, maintenance is an investment into the future. Legislate where necessary that inspection and maintenance are undertaken on a regular scheduled basis and remediate old infrastructure before it becomes a problem.

Oh, and make sure you always use the services of a reputable NADC/DrainSafe contractor who will not only do a professional job, but also give you tailored advice to avoid problems in future! L FURTHER INFORMATION

https://nadc.org.uk/

39

Truck Hire, Lease & Rental Specialists Short-Medium-Long Term www.macstruckrental.co.uk

Publicr Secto s Specia

CALL: 01422 411409

list

L EF

Scotland

Jeff Wright 01738 508951

jeff@macstruckrental.co.uk

The North

Head Office 01422 411409

sales@macstruckrental.co.uk

The South

Mark King 01793 540958

mark.king@macstruckrental.co.uk

Servicing & Maintenance Included - UK Wide Coverage - Immediate Availability

Waste Management

Storage solutions and procurement considerations in waste management Storage solutions are a critical aspect of waste management and are integral to collection, sorting, recycling and disposal At the very beginning of the waste management process, we find bins – wheely bins, commercial bins, public bins. These are essential at the first stage of storage. They come in various sizes, materials and designs and cater for the diverse needs of different environments.

Consider the capacity of the bins being purchased and check it aligns with the waste generation of the target area. However, remember that small residual waste bins encourage more recycling.

Choose durable and waterproof materials, which add to longevity and resistance to UK weather. Even better if the bins are made of recycled materials.

Make sure the design is user friendly, but also protects from wildlife and weather. Consider easy-to-open lids, and touch-free designs in

public spaces. However, make sure the bin design protects against wildlife and water intrusion.

Compactors Compactors are an efficient solution for reducing the volume of waste, particularly in densely populated urban areas and when collected in large volumes. Compactors reduce waste materials, minimising the frequency of collection from recycling centres and the space required for storage.

It is important to choose compactors that match the waste volume, and therefore ensure optimal compression and efficiency.

The energy efficiency of a compactor should also be taken into account. Consider electric or hydraulic compactors with energy-efficient E Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

41

CONSIDER IT DONE

We dispatch 98% of permits within 3 days, making us the fastest in the industry

Leaders in Garden Waste Permit Printing & Permit Management Software for councils We take on the administrative burden for councils, so you can deliver efficient and reliable garden waste collection services to your residents.

Super quick to deliver Makes financial planning easy 100% camera-inspected fulfilment process Permits guaranteed to be packed and passed securely to Royal Mail

To book a free demonstration, please call 02075 829 579 or email contact@permiserv.com

www.permiserv.com

Underground storage Underground storage solutions are also an option, as they offer an aesthetically pleasing and space-saving alternative to traditional waste storage solutions. These systems keep waste out of sight, minimising the impact on the landscape. This can also reduce odours and pests.

Before opting for underground storage solutions, you should assess the feasibility of installation in specific locations, taking into account factors like soil conditions and existing infrastructure.

They should also be easily accessible for waste collection vehicles when the time comes to transport the waste.

Hazardous waste All regulations and laws should be followed when storing hazardous waste. This is essential to prevent environmental contamination and protect public health. Specialised facilities with stringent safety measures are essential for the secure containment of hazardous materials.

You must make sure to adhere to local and national regulations governing the storage and disposal of hazardous waste.

Prioritise solutions with advanced safety features, including leak detection systems,

ventilation controls, and emergency response plans.

When it comes to procurement for waste management storage solutions, there are several aspects to consider.

One of the most important is sustainability.

Prioritise suppliers and solutions that align with sustainability goals, and incorporate recyclable materials and energy-efficient technologies.

Ensure that any storage solution still allows for the recycling and reuse of the waste if possible.

As ever, you must consider cost – you don’t want to be throwing money away. Evaluate the total cost of the solution, taking into account not just the initial procurement cost but also operational expenses, maintenance, and potential savings in the long run.

Look for solutions that can be tailored to the specific needs of the area and can therefore ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Consider vendor reputation and choose a supplier with a proven track record in delivering reliable and high-quality waste storage solutions. Consider customer reviews, case studies, and references.

Scalability is also an important consideration.

Pick a solution that can scale with the waste management demands of the area and adapt to changing circumstances and requirements.

There are many different types of possible storage solutions for waste management, but it is important to do your research and take into account several different features including size, material, sustainability, cost and efficiency. L

Waste Management

F features to minimise operational costs.

You should also prioritise those with low maintenance requirements, which will reduce downtime and associated expenses.

Prioritise suppliers and solutions that align with sustainability goals, and incorporate recyclable materials and energyefficient technologies

43

Have you got rubbish that has piled up over time?

With over 10 years experience, We are the professionals that can get rid of your waste in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

Trust the professionals to clear your rubbish quickly and efficiently.

Email: w.j.wasteremovals@hotmail.co.uk

Call: 07745 780905 / 07514 487252

Waste Management

Preventing fly tipping Fly tipping, the illegal dumping of waste, can present serious environmental, health, and aesthetic challenges for local authorities and communities. Government Business takes a look at strategies local authorities can implement to prevent fly tipping Provide alternative options Perhaps the best way to prevent flytipping is to actually provide a legal and convenient alternative. Limited access to legal waste disposal sites can contribute to fly tipping. In order to address this, local authorities should provide convenient and accessible waste disposal options for residents. Examples of these could include well-maintained recycling centres, trash collection points, and hazardous waste collection events. Making legal disposal convenient reduces the incentives for individuals to turn to illegal dumping.

Improve waste collection Inadequate waste collection services can lead to illegal dumping as residents seek alternative disposal methods. For example, residents without access to a vehicle, those with reduced mobility or those without a support network, will be unable to take their old fridge to the

local recycling centre and will look for other more convenient alternatives, such as paying an unlicensed waste disposal company. Local authorities should make sure that waste collection services are regular and reliable, and cover all areas within their jurisdiction, especially for large and bulky items that can’t go in the weekly wheely bin collection. Examples of this could include bulky waste collection days, green waste pick-up, and comprehensive recycling programmes.

Raise awareness Raising awareness among residents about the negative consequences of fly tipping is an important first step. Public awareness campaigns can be initiated through various channels, including social media, community meetings, and educational materials posted through doors. These campaigns should highlight the environmental harm, potential E Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

45

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN BRIGHTON, CHICHESTER AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

▶ Email: getitgonesussex@gmail.com Phone: 07748 798 380 Website: www.gigwd.co.uk

Involve the community Though more of a clean-up method rather than a prevention method, community involvement is crucial in tackling fly tipping. Local authorities or community groups can organise clean-up events, workshops, and educational sessions to create a sense of responsibility among residents. Engaging the community fosters a collective ownership of the problem, encourages reporting of suspicious activities, and can help with the clean-up.

Provide clear signage Installing signage at flytipping hotspots is a simple and relatively cheap way to deter flytipping. Placing clear signage indicating that

Residents should be made aware of what legal options are available to them

Waste Management

F health risks, and legal consequences that can be associated with fly tipping.

It is also important to make residents aware of the importance of using licensed waste management companies. Though they may not be directly responsible for fly-tipping, residents can unwittingly be part of the problem, by paying unlicensed or unscrupulous waste handlers, who then go on to fly tip the waste.

Residents should be reminded to check that anyone offering to take away their waste is licensed, to never pay in cash and to take a photo of their waste being taken away including the vehicle’s number plate.

Residents should be made aware of what legal options are available to them, so they don’t turn to the illegal options.

fly tipping is illegal and that offenders will be prosecuted lets people know that they face legal action for dumping their waste at that site and encourage responsible waste management.

Implement surveillance Installing surveillance cameras in known flytipping hotspots can deter potential dumpers, especially if it is clearly marked. It can also help law enforcement to identify and prosecute offenders, should any flytipping happen.

Surveillance cameras can also be used to monitor hotspots and therefore plan timely clean-up efforts. ANPR and AI can also be used to quickly identify perpetrators from their vehicles.

Enforce penalties Local authorities should make sure enforce penalties and pursue prosecution for fly tipping to deter potential or repeat offenders.

Visible enforcement actions, such as fines, confiscation of vehicles used for dumping, and ultimately prosecution, send the message that illegal dumping will not be tolerated. Good collaboration with law enforcement agencies is essential to ensure that penalties are effectively implemented. E

47

RUBBISH WASTE COLLECTION - THROUGHOUT LONDON & THE HOME COUNTIES Who are we?

London Waste Services has been running since 2018 when a gap in the market was spotted for a reliable waste service, and London Waste Services has been running ever since! We now operate a full fleet of vehicles capable of removing various waste categories, which includes but isn’t limited to; - Fly tipped waste - House clearances - POPS Waste (mattress’, sofas and beds)

BEFORE AND AFTER

We understand the importance of reliable, efficient and friendly waste away service, and our team have plenty of experience enabling us to provide knowledge and an efficient service.

Offering a one stop shop for house clearanceswe will provide the labour to remove, dismantle and disconnect items if needed, as well as waste clearance and safe disposal. www.londonwasteservices.com

Where do we work?

London Waste Services are based in East London but cover all of London and the Home Counties.

Services London Waste Services maintain a fleet of caged vehicles offering wait and load services- ideal for sites and locations which minimal/no space for skips to be dropped onto site. We arrive and wait while the waste is loaded into the vehicle and then remove it there and then, offering a quick and simple solution for waste removal.

London Waste Services is fully compliant holding a upper tier waste carrier licence and all valid insurance documents- copies available on request.

A large proportion of our work includes house clearances and fly tipped waste- of which is becoming more and more common unfortunately. The team are fully trained to deal with fly tipped waste, allowing it’s safe removal and disposal, leaving sites clean and usable. Our response time allows us to be on site for most fly tipped loads within the next working day, with images available if required showing the before and after photos.

Waste Management

The fees previously charged by around one-third of local authorities to dispose of DIY waste have been abolished by the government F Highlight reporting mechanisms Establishing easy and accessible channels for reporting fly tipping incidents and making people aware of them encourages residents to play an active role in preventing illegal waste dumping. Consider hotlines, mobile apps, and online reporting forms, which can streamline the process of reporting suspicious activities, helping authorities respond quickly. Publicise these in community forums, on notice boards, through people’s doors and at flytipping hotspots.

Work with local businesses Local businesses can also help to play a role in preventing fly tipping. Establish partnerships with local retailers, waste management companies, and construction firms to encourage proper waste disposal practices. Businesses, especially those which create a large amount of bulky waste can help by ensuring they have appropriate waste management contracts and practices in place. Local licensed waste management companies would likely be thrilled to receive free or low-cost advertising in local community publications and this is essentially free to provide for local authorities. If the community is aware of the legal options, they are less likely to turn to an illegal one.

Legislation From the beginning of the year, households no longer have to pay to dispose of small-scale DIY waste at council recycling centres.

It is hoped the change will boost recycling and make it easier for people to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner.

The fees previously charged by around onethird of local authorities to dispose of DIY waste have been abolished by the government.

Now, all councils in England will treat DIY waste the same as other household waste when it meets certain conditions, such as not exceeding 2x 50L rubble bags.

Recycling minister Robbie Moore said: “We have delivered on our promise to make it Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

49

Waste Management

easier and cheaper for people making home improvements to get rid of their waste properly.

“Removing charges for DIY waste at council recycling centres will help New Year home improvement projects become a reality and ensure that those disposing of waste responsibly aren’t being penalised for doing so.”

The government has also recently tabled reforms that are intended to increase the reuse and recycling of electrical goods. It is hoped that more options for recycling will lead to a reduction in flytipping.

A range of measures have been proposed within the joint UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive consultation for introduction from 2026, including UK-wide collections of waste electricals directly from households – saving the public from having to trek to distant electrical disposal points. The collections would be financed by producers of electrical items, not the taxpayer, and not necessarily require any further bins.

Large retailers could roll out collection drop points for electrical items in-store, free of charge, without the need to buy a replacement product and retailers and online sellers would take on responsibility for collecting unwanted or broken large electrical items such as fridges or cookers when delivering a replacement.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is set to work closely with manufacturers, major retailers and small and medium enterprises throughout the consultation period to ensure the most efficient and accessible options become a reality.

Recycling minister Robbie Moore said: “Every year millions of household electricals across the UK end up in the bin rather than being correctly recycled or reused. This is a sheer waste of our natural resources and has to stop.

“We all have a drawer of old tech somewhere that we don’t know what to do with and our proposals will ensure these gadgets are easy to dispose of without the need for a trip to your local tip. Our plans will also drive the move to a more circular economy and create new jobs by making all recycling simpler.”

Large retailers could roll out collection drop points for electrical items in-store, free of charge 50

Jacob Hayler, executive director of the Environmental Services Association, said: “Far too many electronic devices currently end up in the bin, so making it simpler and more convenient for householders to recycle waste electricals at home will undoubtedly play a key role in helping our sector return the valuable and rare materials in these devices back to the circular economy.

Waste Management

Preventing fly tipping is easier and cheaper than dealing with it once it has happened “On behalf of those operating recycling centres and kerbside collection services, we welcome the opportunity to contribute through consultation and help create an effective system that delivers on its intended outcomes and works, not just for householders, but for obligated producers and retailers too.

“Waste electricals and particularly vapes increasingly contain powerful batteries and are now responsible for hundreds of serious fires every year when not recycled responsibly, so we hope that offering convenient and widespread household collection services for these devices will also help reverse the growing trend of battery fires blighting the sector.”

Preventing, reducing and clearing up fly tipping requires a multifaceted approach that involves different methods and collaboration from different parts of the community.

Education, enforcement, community engagement, and service improvement are all important. By raising awareness, providing more convenient waste disposal options, utilizing surveillance, and promoting community involvement, local authorities can see a reduction in this behaviour. A combination of these strategies, coupled with clear penalties for offenders, can contribute to cleaner and safer communities while at the same time protecting the environment for future generations. This is one of those prevention

is better than cure scenarios. Preventing fly tipping is easier and cheaper than dealing with it once it has happened. L

swiftyclearances.com Swifty Clearances are experts in Probate, Hoarder and Commercial Clearance Services Contact us today for a totally professional and swifty quotation

0203 3706970 | 07976706970 | harry@swiftyclearances.com

Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

51

PestEx 2024

Explore PestEx 2024: the pinnacle of pest management innovation In the heart of London, the pest control industry is gearing up for its most anticipated event – PestEx 2024. This premier exhibition, hosted at the prestigious ExCeL London, is not just a trade show; it’s a dynamic hub of innovation, knowledge, and networking, set to take place on the 13th and 14th of March 2024 A showcase of excellence PestEx is the UK’s largest trade exhibition and conference dedicated to the pest control sector.

It’s an essential event for everyone in the industry, from local authorities and council representatives to pest management business owners and on-the-ground technicians.

The event presents an unmatched opportunity to explore the latest advancements in pest control science and technology.

PestEx is the trade show and exhibition for anyone involved in the pest control industry.

From pest management business owners

52

to pest control technicians out on the road, PestEx has been devised with you in mind.

PestEx attracts thousands of visitors over the two days from all over the world.

As well as having the UK’s largest pest control exhibition, you’ll find a number of seminars and demonstrations designed to provide you with the latest industry news, developments and innovations. Everything in our seminar and technical programme is presented by industry experts, key organisations and exhibitors. All sessions will be free to attend and worth CPD points.

PestEx is a must-attend event for anyone who’s involved in or interested in public health

PestEx 2024

pest control. Be a part of the UK’s largest pest management exhibition and discover over 100 pest control suppliers from around the world.

Why PestEx 2024 is unmissable for local government The event showcases innovative solutions: discover cutting-edge technologies and methods to tackle pest problems in your community.

With expert-led seminars, visitors can engage in a comprehensive programme of seminars and demonstrations, all helmed by industry leaders and experts.

PestEx provides networking opportunities, where visitors can connect with peers, share best practices, and forge valuable relationships.

The event offers the opportunity for continual professional development. Each session at PestEx is accredited for CPD points, contributing to your professional growth.

With exclusive access, visitors can benefit from special exhibition prices on products and services available only to attendees.

Finally, there are prize opportunities: attendees stand a chance to win a variety of prizes simply by being part of this event.

A gathering of global experts Organised by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), PestEx 2024 is set to attract a diverse international crowd.

Over 2,000 visitors worldwide, including business owners, technicians, consultants, public health authorities,

With over 100 suppliers from around the globe, the trade hall at PestEx is a treasure trove of products and services and government representatives, are expected to converge over the two days.

This global mix provides a unique perspective on pest management challenges and solutions, making it an invaluable learning experience.

The exhibition: a world of discovery With over 100 suppliers from around the globe, the trade hall at PestEx is a treasure trove of products and services. It’s a rare chance to witness firsthand the latest innovations in the industry and find solutions that can be applied to your local context.

Enriching knowledge through seminars PestEx’s seminar and technical programme is a cornerstone of the event. These sessions, which are free to attend, are not just informative but also pivotal for anyone looking to stay abreast of the latest industry news, developments, and innovations.

You’ll find a range of seminars across the two days in the Technical & Spotlight seminar theatres. They’re designed to keep you updated with the latest industry news, developments and innovations and our led by real thought-E Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

53

www

PEST, ENVIRONMENTAL & AGRICULTURAL S

O

L

U

T

I

O

N

S

A trusted, UK manufacturer & supplier of innovative & sustainable pest solutions.

PATENTED TECHNOLOGIES HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PRODUCT RANGE NEW PRODUCTS REGULARLY RELEASED

JOIN US ON

STAND No. 1

Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

A.R. PEST CONTROL specialise in innovative, comprehensive and thorough treatments, ensuring long-term pest-free solutions for your home and business.

TELEPHONE 07519 55 11 82 EMAIL enquiries@ arpestcontrollondon.co.uk

Rodent Control

Cockroach Control

Bed bug Control

Ant Control

54 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Fleas, Spiders, Insects & more

Registration and details PestEx will take place on 13-14 March 2024 at ExCeL Centre, London. The event will be open on Wednesday from 9am to 5pm and on Thursday from 9am until 4pm.

Registration is free of charge at PestEx.org.

Register and win Beat the queues for a shot at winning a brand-new Meta Quest 3!

Register by 1 March 2024 and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a new Meta Quest 3 mixed reality headset.

To be in with a chance of winning simply register online before 1 March 2024 to be entered into the prize draw. You must attend PestEx 2024 to be entered into the draw.

PestEx 2024

F leaders in the pest management sector.

Day 1 at the Technical Theatre will feature sessions on ‘Rodent Behaviour, the expected and the unexpected’; ‘Asian hornet – current situation in UK’; Traditional methods in a modern world’; Pest Control and Mental Health’; ‘Fly Management in the Waste Industry – Opportunities and Challenges’; and ‘Rodent Trapping; Lessons From The Field’.

The day will end with the BPCA Member Awards.

Day 1 at the Spotlight Theatre will feature debates on ‘Digital Pest Control and AI’; ‘Pest Control Online - Social Media & Marketing’; ‘Changes to product registrations in the UK’; ‘Where to start with Pest Control’; ‘Behavioural resistance’; ‘Mouse Control Methods and Risk’; and ‘Resistance in insects’.

Day 2 at the Technical Theatre looks at ‘Bedbugs in 2024’; ‘Birds misbehave’; ‘Wasps, a problem on the horizon on a chance for growth’; and ‘Common Stored Product Insects of the UK’.

Day 2 at the Spotlight Theatre will feature case studies on ‘The role of rats and mice in the dissemination of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance’; ‘Why Non tox should always be our first choice’; ‘How do we navigate a sustainable future?’; and ‘Biological Warfare with wasps case study’.

95 per cent of previous visitors rated the quality of seminars as good or excellent.

Attending PestEx 2024 is more than just an opportunity to learn and network; it’s a step towards enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of pest control within your jurisdiction It’s an occasion for local authorities and councils to come together, learn from the best, and take back solutions that will benefit their communities.

We encourage local authorities, councils, and all professionals involved in pest management to register for PestEx 2024. This is not just an event; it’s a catalyst for change, innovation, and collaboration in the pest control industry.

Join us at PestEx 2024 and be part of shaping a safer, healthier future for our communities. L FURTHER INFORMATION

bpca.org.uk

Your participation matters Attending PestEx 2024 is more than just an opportunity to learn and network; it’s a step towards enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of pest control within your jurisdiction.

Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

55

DSK have raised the standards and are proud to have achieved the following ISO accreditations

Fire Safety

Automatic sprinklers: why maintenance matters The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) explain some of the key benefits of sprinkler and why maintenance is a must In an environment where everyone is trying to get value for money when spending, maintenance budgets often get squeezed.

Ultimately a lack of, or inadequate maintenance, is directly correlated with increased expenditures in the long-term both in terms of equipment problems, shutdowns and failure. This is so crucial for fire protection systems where lives and property are on the line. Sprinkler systems are an extremely effective way of controlling the spread of fire, but like all systems, they need to be maintained.

If you neglect maintenance for too long, this can have serious consequences and the results can be devastating.

Sprinklers often go unnoticed or underestimated, with people either not recognising their true value and benefits or disregarding them without fully exploring the opportunities they present. However, automatic sprinklers bring a multitude of positive benefits, ranging from enhancing life safety to safeguarding businesses, ensuring continuity,

and promoting sustainability. With a proven track record of success, the introduction of automatic sprinklers has a significant impact.

But when you invest in these fire protection systems, an investment in maintenance is essential.

Fire sprinkler systems are not a case of “fit and forget”. Like other such systems, they need to be considered as part of the emergency response to a fire to ensure that they are maintained in service. An installed fire sprinkler system is a key part of a building that requires inspection, maintenance, and testing to ensure a high degree of readiness and reliability. If the system is taken out of service for maintenance, then precautions are needed to handle ignition sources and repairs need to be expedited. As with other fire safety arrangements, they need ongoing assessment to ensure the hazard they are protecting still matches their design.

If the hazard has changed then it needs to be recognised, considered and the protection adapted. E Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

57

Fire Safety

F While individual sprinkler heads themselves are designed to require no servicing, trained and qualified professionals must periodically check valves, pipes, pumps and alarm components. Testing ensures open pathways for water to flow, an adequate supply of water, reliable alarms and a system ready to function. Sprinkler systems have demonstrated longevity similar to the life of a building when adequately maintained and cared for. An ageing system may need some additional care to flush pipelines to ensure they remain free of corrosion and sprinklers heads may need testing as they approach their silver anniversary (25 years of service) to ensure they are still in good working order.

Standards offer helpful guidance Where a sprinkler system is part of the fire strategy for a building, the property owners have the responsibility to maintain the sprinkler system. In the UK, the system may have been installed to the British Standards BS EN12845:2015 or BS 9251:2021 depending on the type of building. Both standards offer guidance on the type of inspection, maintenance and testing needed for the systems with helpful breakdowns into time periods to guide the owner. As noted above, using a trained and qualified professional carrying third party certification for the servicing work is another key aspect to ensure that you are receiving the right advice.

An ageing system may need some additional care to flush pipelines

58

Maintaining reliability Whilst the importance of regular maintenance and inspections cannot be stressed enough, sprinklers are an extremely effective way of controlling the spread of fire. There is clear evidence that properly maintained sprinklers work. In fact, the NFCC and the National Fire Sprinkler Network (NFSN) have worked together to investigate the effectiveness and reliability of sprinkler systems. In an independent report carried out by Optimal Economics, thousands of incidents have been analysed to provide a detailed and comprehensive view of the activation and performance of sprinkler systems used to control fire in buildings. The evidence shows that sprinkler systems have an operational reliability of 94 per cent and demonstrate when called to work they have a very high reliability. Furthermore, it is evident that when they do operate, they extinguish or contain the fire on 99 per cent of occasions across a wide range of building types.1 When you consider the operational reliability of sprinklers being 94 per cent, this leaves 6 per cent of sprinkler systems that didn’t quite work in the way we expect them to. While not all of those are maintenance related, some of them may be.

Change of mindset Moving forward, there needs to be a change in mindset when it comes to attitudes towards maintenance, as has been signaled across the built environment. Take the analogy of our body and our heart, every now and then we need to give it some exercise to ensure it is in good working order and it needs a physical examination by a professional to ensure there are no issues. The same is essentially true for a sprinkler system. Just like our bodies, we know we need the exercise and the checks, but put them off due to time, fear and cost. We can do similar things with sprinkler maintenance. In both cases we know better that ongoing exercise and checks by professionals provide critical reassurance that we can and will perform when called upon.

Automatic fire sprinkler systems have earned their reputation as a proven and indispensable tool in fire safety. When installed in a building, these systems significantly increase the chances of containing a fire at its early stages, even before the arrival of the fire and rescue service. Prioritising maintenance will ensure these systems serve as a vital lifeline in critical situations. L

Fire Safety

Automatic fire sprinkler systems have earned their reputation as a proven and indispensable tool in fire safety The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) was established in 2010 and is an alliance of fire safety professionals working to protect UK plc against fire. The BSA aims to highlight the true cost of fire and increase the number of business premises that have automatic fire sprinklers fitted. The BSA is driving a culture change so that sprinklers are understood and accepted as the norm for UK business buildings.

The BSA’s founding members are the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, the European and National Fire Sprinkler Networks, the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association, commercial insurer, FM Global, and the Fire Protection Association.

FURTHER INFORMATION

www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org

References: 1. Efficiency and Effectiveness of Sprinkler Systems in the United Kingdom: An Analysis from Fire Service Data – Optimal Electronics May 2017

EXPERT FIRE SPRINKLER DESIGN, INSTALLATION, AND MAINTENANCE Our team is ready to assist you with all your fire protection needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.

CONTACT US TODAY Surefire Sprinklers Limited Email matt@surefiresprinklers.com Call 07557413005

Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

59

Advertisement Feature

Damp, condensation and mould still an issue?

Cornerstone offer an affordable Property Health solution for social housing clients and their tenants – for the long term

Why are we still witnessing mould in properties?

This issue remains with us and, with the Housing Ombudsman’s call for a Uniform Framework to deal effectively with the problem, there has never been a better time to assess current internal processes alongside your chosen contractors to implement a tailored change that delivers proven reasons behind the outbreaks and how repairs can be certified as cost-effective.

How will retrofits and net zero assist our journey?

Retrofits are indeed designed to enhance the performance of a structure in terms of its health, and decarbonisation aims to assess heat loss, reducing the carbon footprint of a dwelling. Such requirements alone place a greater emphasis on accurate property assessments and a joined-up solution for each property style, its location and indeed, orientation before we head indoors. The understanding of insulating a home, its existing air-tightness and ventilation measures are key to upholding the environmental and indeed social benefits of a dwelling.

What is available to social housing landlords?

A track record of independently surveying and recommending root causations for

damp and mould problems in the social housing sector has led Cornerstone to develop a user-friendly and adaptable support framework that can be selected by respective clients in line with their existing knowledge level and organisational goals for dealing with the issue - for the long term.

Training is available, including CPDaccredited damp and mould understanding, from call centre staff to surveyors.

Consultancy is available, such as independent IoT data and retrofit/decarbonisation impact assessments (PAS 2035), which confirm the impact of each improvement is as anticipated.

Surveying can also be used, with independent root cause analysis of reported complex issues.

Application – sharing our knowledge Cornerstone offer an accessible, detailed APP for residents and landlords with guidance and key support traits when you need it.

Residents can enter their issue and receive likely reasons alongside credible guidance measures in a recognised format. Still having a problem? Submit the query with images and videos to the landlord through the App. Landlords can enter the same process with advanced reasoning and L EF guidance for in-house resolution.

Plus, landlords who are seeking CPD Damp and Mould Training, Complex Technical Assistance, IoT Sensor Alert meaning and guidance can simply log the assistance and submit to Cornerstone.

J

Learn more about the root causes and implement long-term improvements with… Better Decision Making.

FURTHER INFORMATION

www.cornerstone-ltd.co.uk info@cornerstone-ltd.co.uk 0344 846 0955

60 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Damp & Mould

Damp & mould why it’s not lifestyle James Berry from the PCA looks at causes of damp and mould and explains why tenant lifestyle should not automatically take the blame Back in September, the government issued guidance on ‘Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home’.

This is a long-anticipated direct response to the coroner’s report into the tragic death of twoyear-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, who died from a respiratory illness caused by mould in his Rochdale flat in 2020.

Let’s be clear, no one should become unwell due to the home they live in, and steps need to be taken to ensure that this never happens again. In the Ministerial foreword, it states that: “everyone has the right to a warm, secure and decent home and to be treated with dignity and fairness, yet many people in England are living in a home with damp and mould, which may put their health at risk.”

It estimates of the number of homes in England with damp and mould ranges from four per cent to 27 per cent of homes, or 962,000 to 6.5 million households. However, in my personal experience, I believe the number would be much closer to 50 per cent. It’s a

serious concern and for several years, PCA members have noted a surge in the levels of excess atmospheric moisture inside properties.

Setting out responsibilities The guidance gives social and private sector landlords in England a thorough understanding of their legal responsibilities, and of the serious health risks which damp and mould pose.

Of significance is the clear directive to landlords who must ensure that the accommodation they provide is free from serious hazards, including damp and mould, and that homes are fit for habitation. It also states that they must treat cases of damp and mould with the utmost seriousness and landlords should act promptly to protect their tenants’ health.

Placing blame The guidance is very clear, tenants should not be blamed for damp and mould as they: “are not the result of ‘lifestyle choices,’ and it is E

61

Damp & Mould

Blaming the choices of those that have limited choices is not a constructive way forward F the responsibility of landlords to identify and address the underlying causes of the problem, such as structural issues or inadequate ventilation.’

Blaming the choices of those that have limited choices is not a constructive way forward. It’s likely to build barriers and prevent working together which will inevitably be required to prevent problems occurring. ‘Lifestyle’ has too often been a default response used without a understanding of what is actually occurring in the property. This needs to change.

Balancing act Condensation problems occur due to an imbalance in the internal environment and there are a number of factors which need to be considered; moisture production, ventilation, thermal performance of the building envelope, and heat input.

In reality, tenants can influence only a couple of these; heat input and moisture production and these two factors together are often what are regarded as ‘lifestyle’. However holding tenants accountable entirely for these factors is not realistic either.

Moisture production and ventilation Moisture production plays a role in contributing towards a condensation and mould problem.

Some of the activities which have been considered lifestyle options have included washing, cooking, drying clothes indoors, having a pet and even breathing.

The majority of these are not lifestyle choices but simply necessities of life. But even those that aren’t are carried out by the vast majority of the UK population, 62 percent of us have a pet and when asked at a recent conference how many of the delegates dried their clothes indoors, nearly all of the 150 attendance raised their hands.

But our homes are meant to deal with a certain amount of moisture production and they do this through the provision of ventilation i.e. extractor fans. Past studies have shown that unfortunately even during the construction of new houses, an adequate provision of ventilation is rarely provided. A study published in 2018 by AECOM and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government looking at ventilation and indoor air quality in new homes explored the quality of ventilation installations across seven new build developments throughout England.

The majority, 55, of the installs were background ventilators and intermittent extract fans), with 25 being continuous mechanical extract. Of those 80 installations, it was found that just three met the grade.

Similar studies have provided similar findings.

The Property Care Association conducted its own poll during a recent webinar on ventilation and over 72 percent of the delegates believed less than 30 percent of installs complied with building regulations.

It is our belief that unfortunately the situation is much worse in our existing buildings. So, if we are struggling to get this right in new builds, where the infrastructure is in place to ensure

62 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Damp & Mould

quality and compliance, the situation is only going to be much worse in our existing housing stock.

The role of heating Economics obviously play a huge role in the amount of heat input, whilst we are not confronted with the same level of headlines around the cost of heating our properties this year, there can be no doubt that for many the purse strings are still drawn tight and people are still very cautious about how they use their heating.

Guidance is often given to maintaining a low and constant heat background heat and whilst this is sound advice in theory in practice, it is rarely adhered too.

Normally a combination of factors In my experience, there is rarely one contributing factor to a mould and condensation issue and it is normally a combination of factors e.g. poor provision of ventilation and poor performance of the building envelope.

Blaming the tenants was a default response to the problem without a real understanding of what is happening, it saved having to go into the property and establishing what the causal factors are, but taking this approach will just make providing the correct remediation more difficult. For example, providing additional ventilation in a building that is well ventilated but with a poorly performing building envelope and with little to no heat input will just make the building colder.

Why we must move away from lifestyle We must move away from blaming tenants’ lifestyle for damp and mould issues, it’s a term which infers blame and is likely to cause

barriers. Creating an ‘us and them’ mentality results in issues not being reported and causes more harm than good.

We need to encourage engagement and demand a better understanding of what is causing the issue. Skilled practitioners such as those that hold the CSTDB qualification as highlighted in the guidance are readily available who can provide the right level of diagnostics to help determine what factors are out of balance and help focus the remediation strategy accordingly so that the issue can be dealt with as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. L FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information on the control of dampness in buildings visit: www.property-care.org

There is rarely one contributing factor to a mould and condensation issue

63

Futurebuild

Futurebuild set for another year of taking a stand for a better environment Futurebuild, the built environment’s most influential event for innovation and collaboration is back for its 18th year, taking place at London’s ExCeL, March 5–7 2024 The event, which is set to be the most impactful yet, will continue its mission in taking a stand for a better built environment, showcasing groundbreaking ideas, creative and inspirational innovations and crucial collaboration to help us set the stage for a greener, more resilient future.

More than 20,000 professionals from across the entire supply chain including architects, planners, urban designers, landscape architects, housebuilders, developers, consultants, contractors and

manufacturers will come together to explore real sustainable building materials and practices and methods of delivering construction projects that are smart and sustainable.

Martin Hurn, event director at Futurebuild expresses the event’s objective of creating real, lasting and tangible change: “Futurebuild is more than just an event; it’s a call for action.

A platform to engage, debate and educate. It’s where global industry leaders, experts and professionals passionate about improving

64 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Collaboration is key Futurebuild collaborates with over 70 partners and more than 500 speakers to make sure it can continue to spearhead innovation through collaboration in the built environment.

Partners this year include UK Green Building Council, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Passivhaus Trust, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and many more.

2024 Exhibitors, Pilkington, highlighted the advantage of collaboration: “We’re looking Call +44 7768 976403

forward to engaging with a wide range of professionals at the event, including architects, property developers, and individuals. Last year we were able to meet people who were genuinely interested in our product.”

Futurebuild

their industry come together to shape the future, which requires substantial change and real courage. We exist to amplify the voices of others, bringing their ideas, initiatives, and innovations to the forefront of our collective conscious. By uniting the industry, we can drive real change and create a better built environment for future generations.

At the 2023 event, we asked you to join us in taking a stand for a better built environment and voice something you cared passionately about. From the 5000+ pledges made, it is clear the industry is ready, and action is coming. This year we are asking you to now enact on those promises, and show us your (climate) stripes.”

What’s new for 2024: more collaboration, more innovation Share your vision, show your stripes, and embrace the change will be the conference themes this year, highlighting the importance of climate change and the need to take action to work together to achieve a better built environment. New exhibitors will include Danosa, Saint-Gobain Ecophon, FRAMECAD®, O’Reilly Precast and also returning this year are Aico, Viessmann, Bosch, Aco technologies amongst many others. The National Retrofit Conference curated by the Retrofit Academy. It will consist of a three-day programme to examine in detail how we are to deliver retrofit across the UK at the scale needed, from policy to practical delivery.

Following the success of last year’s launch, 2024 will see the return of the FutureX Innovation Area, where start-ups and SMEs have a space to showcase their scalable E

Email enquiries@eco-reinforcement.co.uk

Website eco-reinforcement.co.uk

Eco-Reinforcement is a third-party certification scheme which assesses and recognises responsibly sourced reinforcing steel products. It has been developed as a sector-specific standard which complies with the requirements of BES 6001 Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products.

Responsible sourcing addresses not only the environmental impacts of a product but also the social impacts occurring as a result of the manufacturing/fabricating process.

Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

65

Futurebuild F innovations – including the ‘Dragon’s Den’ style, Big Ideas Pitch, to recognise the best innovative idea or solution for 2024. Even more innovation can be found in the Innovation Gallery, Big Innovation Pitch and Innovation Trail. This is where partners present products, solutions and materials to specifiers and innovators and showcase their latest gamechanging innovations in front of a live audience, with winners being announced at the show.

Conference arena Sponsored by Soprema and One Click LCA and curated by the Edge think tank, the Conference Programme is focused on embracing change, with the three daily themes: Pathways to change, Levers for change and Sharing visons for change.

Featuring a line-up of the who’s who of the built and natural environment, each speaker will use the conference stage to ‘take a stand for change’ to tackle the big climate and ecological issues.

Knowledge sharing Visitors can expect seven zones, including The FutureX Innovation Area all with dedicated exhibitors and a targeted seminar programme for each zone. Other show sections include Materials, Retrofit, Sustainable Infrastructure, Energy, Buildings and Digital.

Join us in taking a stand and be a part of the solution for shaping the future of the built environment. Visitor registration is now open.

Exhibit at Futurebuild 2024 Futurebuild 2024 is where collaboration leads to innovation, and action transforms the built environment. For more information and exhibitor inquiries, please visit www.futurebuild.co.uk

J

FURTHER INFORMATION

www.futurebuild.co.uk Register Now

66

Project design Infrastructure O&M Smart charging Energy market access Asset financing

REQUEST INFO

Advertisement Feature

How new, affordable, privaterented homes improve the energy efficiency of UK housing With headlines lamenting the energy inefficiency of UK housing stock, it is easy to be disheartened by the challenges of decarbonising our housing stock. However, there has been real progress in recent years

One contribution is from institutional investors such as local government pension schemes, who are increasingly funding new, affordable and energy-efficient, private-rented housing. With roughly one in five households renting privately, this segment plays an important part in the decarbonisation of overall UK housing stock.

Historically, most private rented homes were owned by small landlords. However, over the past decade, larger professional investors have allocated over £60bn to the sector (Source: Investment Property Forum), with the rate of growth accelerating. Analysis

by Savills for the British Property Federation showed that the build-to-rent sector accounted for over 240,000 new homes completed or in the pipeline by the end of 2022.

Hearthstone Investments is one specialist residential investment manager, acting mainly for local government pension schemes. The company has operated for over a decade and manages over 1,800 houses and flats in low-rise apartment blocks across the UK. These are let to residents on average UK incomes, one in five of whom are key workers.

Hearthstone launched funds in 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2021. Analysing the EPC ratings of these four “vintages” shows successive improvements in energy efficiency, as tighter building standards have had a positive impact.

The first fund, launched in 2012, currently has

Source: Hearthstone, English Housing Survey 2021/22

67 per cent of units EPC A or B rated, compared with 98 per cent for the fund launched in 2021.

Critically, all portfolios are much more energy efficient than the comparable UK average for private rented homes, of only 2 per cent. This is important for reducing carbon emissions.

EF of On average, each home saves 4.7Ltonnes CO2 compared with the national average.

All eyes are now on the Future Homes Standard, which requires new homes to reduce carbon emissions by 75-80 per cent from 2025, effectively precluding fossil fuels as their energy source. House builders are already preparing for this transition.

As the experience over the past decade demonstrates, a combination of more energyefficient building regulation and institutional investment can have a demonstrable positive impact in reducing carbon emissions. L FURTHER INFORMATION

www.hearthstone.co.uk

68 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Energy

The construction industry and housebuilders must move faster to tackle the climate crisis Richard Broad, projects & communications manager, Good Homes Alliance explains how the construction industry can contribute to net zero 2023 was a record-breaking year for all the wrong reasons. The summer of 2023 was Earth’s hottest since global records began. Leading climate scientists suggest the world has not yet passed a “tipping point” for climate change, but we are getting dangerously close.

“The record-shattering heatwaves, wildfires and floods destroying lives in the US, Europe, India, China and beyond in 2023 have raised an alarming question: have humanity’s relentless carbon emissions finally pushed the climate crisis into a new and accelerating phase of destruction?”

The construction industry is playing its part to decarbonise, but is it going fast and far enough? Government announcements made in December 2023 will not help our cause.

The ‘Future’ Homes Standard The building fabric options proposed in the recently announced Future Homes and

Buildings Standards consultation are even less ambitious than those consulted on previously.

“Under the Future Homes Standard, we will be pushing building fabric standards further than ever before…”, MHCLG stated in 2019. This is clearly not the case.

There are some helpful clarifications in the consultation such as the expectation that gas, hybrid and hydrogen-ready boilers will not comply in the new Home Energy Model assessment methodology. Plus, moves to further analyse the performance gap in new home energy performance are welcomed.

However, we believe an approach which relies principally on a decarbonised grid for the successful adoption of all-electric systems to meet our net zero commitment is flawed; is vulnerable to shortfalls in energy capacity, and still exposes some residents to high energy bills.

The Good Homes Alliance (GHA) will be responding to the consultation on behalf of E Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

69

This year, Hargassner celebrates its 40th anniversary of delivering the highest quality wood pellet, wood chip and log boilers Worldwide.

With a range of boilers from 6kw to 2.5mw, we have an ideal solution for anyone looking to escape rising gas prices and become more environmentally friendly.

Based in Herefordshire alongside our spare parts department and our highly qualified engineering team, our design team helps you to navigate you through the world of renewable energy and embark upon your journey towards sustainable commercial and domestic heating. office@hargassner.co.uk | 01432 513777

Energy

F its membership in the new year, before the 6th March 2024 deadline. Are the proposals really fit for the ‘future’?

Progressive planning policy For the last few years, local authorities (LAs) have been leading the march towards net zero emissions, with 83 per cent of UK councils now having made climate emergency declarations.

Several LAs have produced new Local Plans that seek to increase the scale and pace of net zero outcomes for both new and existing buildings, setting clear Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets which go above and beyond building regulations.

These councils are quite rightly held up by the GHA and others as beacons of best practice, who carry the torch of real progress towards net zero. Yet rather than support and enable the whole country to advance towards a net zero future, the Government appears to have taken the decision to block this progress.

A Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) on ‘Planning - Local Energy Efficiency Standards Update’ (UIN HLWS120) announced that “the Government does not expect plan-makers to set local energy efficiency standards for buildings that go beyond current or planned buildings regulations”. This statement supersedes a 2015 WMS (UIN HCWS488) which was preventing some local authorities from setting ambitious policies, as highlighted by Kevin McCloud in C4’s recent Great Climate Fight series.

The implications of this WMS for progressive councils across the UK, who are in the process of updating or have already adopted new local plans to meet their climate emergency commitments, is not yet clear. Key industry bodies such as the Good Homes Alliance and the Town & County Planning Association are meeting in the new year to discuss a way forward.

Build net zero…NOW Since 2020, the GHA has been leading the ‘Build Net Zero Now’ campaign to empower progressive local authorities, housing associations and housebuilders, and their supply chains, by providing them with the knowledge and tools to deliver net zero housing.

Outputs from the campaign are freely available to industry and include net zero housing case studies, design brief clauses, guidance on financial incentives , and keynote talks from Baroness Brown of Cambridge, deputy chair of

the Committee on Climate Change, and Julie James MS, minister for climate change, Welsh Government.

Despite the success of the campaign to date, the need to accelerate the delivery of net zero housing is more urgent than ever. The campaign continues into 2024 and beyond, with a Build Net Zero Now conference taking place on Tuesday 6th February 2024 at the Building Centre in London.

The conference is titled “Near the tipping point... How industry must act NOW to avert climate disaster” and calls for urgent action from the construction and housebuilding sectors to rapidly reduce carbon emissions.

Delegates will attend from across the sector to network and debate the aforementioned issues, with talks on: The Future Homes Standard – Are the proposals really ‘fit for the future’?; What are the implications of the December 2023 WMS for progressive councils across the UK who are seeking to meet their climate emergency commitments?; The key steps required to unlock investment and incentivise the delivery of net zero homes; How we must adapt and make our buildings more resilient to a changing climate, through appropriate shading design and specification, to mitigate overheating risk; The vital role for housebuilders in enhancing biodiversity in new housing developments; How to overcome ever-increasing water supply/ demand issues and improve water quality; and How collective action can influence future policy and accelerate change - championing healthy homes, community-led housing, building performance, embodied carbon and the circular economy. Can we develop ‘A new manifesto for housing’? L FURTHER INFORMATION

Find out more and register here: https://goodhomes.org.uk/ Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

71

Bridging the Gap in Sustainability Real Estate We’re an award-winning global sustainability consultancy, helping clients unlock sustainable value to transition to a lower carbon economy.

We provide strategic guidance, compliance support and innovative Real Estate solutions: Sustainability Strategy and Design Data and Green Certification Building Optimisation Policy and Regulations Climate Resilience Renewable energy Our end-to-end bespoke services can help you achieve your energy and resource efficiency targets.

Get in touch: Gareth Evans Senior Business Development Manager

ge@longevity.co.uk

longevity-partners.com

GHA Conference

Good Homes Alliance 2024 Conference: Event Preview The Good Homes Alliance Conference is taking place on 6th February at the Building Centre London “The record-shattering heatwaves, wildfires and floods destroying lives in the US, Europe, India, China and beyond in 2023 have raised an alarming question: have humanity’s relentless carbon emissions finally pushed the climate crisis into a new and accelerating phase of destruction?” - ‘Off-the-charts records’: has humanity finally broken the climate? – The Guardian, August 2023 2023 was a record-breaking year for all the wrong reasons. The summer of 2023 was Earth’s hottest since global records began. Leading climate scientists suggest the world had not yet passed a “tipping point” for climate change, but we are getting dangerously close.

The construction industry is playing its part to decarbonise, but is it going fast and far enough?

Announcements made in December 2023 will not help our cause…

The building fabric options proposed in the recently announced Future Homes and Buildings Standards consultation are even less ambitious than those consulted on previously.

“Under the Future Homes Standard, we will be pushing building fabric standards further than ever before…”, MHCLG stated in 2019. This is clearly not the case.

Now, not later Since launching in 2020, our Build Net Zero Now campaign has been calling for urgent action and

the delivery of high-performing, net zero homes NOW. Join us at Good Homes 2024 for our annual Build Net Zero Now conference for debates, expert insight, exhibition and networking as we discuss: Are the recently announced Future Homes Standard proposals really ‘fit for the future’?; What are the implications of the December 2023 WMS for progressive councils across the UK who are seeking to meet their climate emergency commitments?; The key steps required to unlock investment and incentivise the delivery of net zero homes; How we must adapt and make our buildings more resilient to a changing climate, through appropriate shading design and specification, to mitigate overheating risk; The vital role for housebuilders in enhancing biodiversity in new housing developments; How to overcome ever-increasing water supply/ demand issues and improve water quality; How collective action can influence future policy and accelerate change - championing healthy homes, community led housing, building performance, embodied carbon and the circular economy; and Can we develop ‘A new manifesto for housing’? L FURTHER INFORMATION

See the full programme and book tickets at https://goodhomes.org.uk/good-homes-2024 Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

73

TWE 2024

The Workplace Event 2024 – where innovation meets inspiration In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting workplace cultures, and an increased focus on employee well-being, The Workplace Event (TWE) 2024 emerges as a beacon of insight, innovation, and inspiration. Taking place from 30 April - 2 May 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, TWE brings together over 5,000 workplace and facilities management professionals

Featuring 100+ exhibitors showcasing a plethora of products and services, TWE stands as the epicentre of innovation in the workplace and FM industry. Exhibitors offer a diverse range of offerings, from smart buildings and IoT to workplace strategy and property management.

CPD-accredited content Content is at the heart of TWE, consisting of thought-provoking summits and seminars designed to elevate discussions about the future of work. The Workplace Leaders’ Summit, curated by workplace visionaries and influencers including The Workplace Leaders Top 50, delves into the latest trends shaping the workplace.

The Knowledge Hub is divided into two distinct streams: one exploring the pioneering innovations of workplace technology and the other delving into the understandings of culture, health, and well-being of the workforce.

What’s on?

Introducing an interactive dimension to the event is “Tomorrow Meets Today.” This initiative facilitates conversations between junior FM industry members and their senior counterparts, fostering unparalleled networking opportunities. An engaging initiative featuring Andrew Hulbert and Sajna Rahman, promises to connect professionals across generations, creating a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences.

Looking to get in the FM industry? “Unhinged” sessions presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with the foremost figures in the FM industry. Hosted by Pareto FM, these exclusive Q&A sessions provide attendees with the chance to query and interact with industry leaders. Participants can gain invaluable insights, tips, and guidance to propel their success in the world of FM. The Workplace Leaders Top 50 TWE is the unveiling of the Workplace Leaders Top 50 — an acknowledgment and celebration of the most influential and innovative players in the FM and workplace industry. This prestigious list recognises individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the industry pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the modern workplace. Meet the class of 2023 and witness the unveiling of the class of 2024 during the official networking drinks at the conclusion of day one.

74 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Wrap up your day of learning at the endof-day Networking Drinks. This relaxed setting provides the ideal backdrop to unwind, discuss the day’s insights, and forge connections for the long term.

Why attend?

As professionals from diverse backgrounds come together to explore the nuances of workplace design, technology, culture and well-being, TWE becomes a core event for the dynamic and ever-evolving world of

FM. Whether you’re a seasoned FM veteran or a young professional eager to propel your success, TWE invites you to step into the future of work — a future shaped by innovation, inspiration, collaboration, and a commitment to creating spaces that inspire and motivate the individuals who utilise them.

TWE is free to attend and is part of The Safety & Security Series. Your TWE ticket gets you access to five other co-located events including: The Security Event, The Fire Safety Event, The Health & Safety Event, National Cyber Security Show and Professional Security Officer Live.

We also offer FREE PARKING for all visitors, saving you time and money, and giving you the flexibility to travel safely to and from the event across the full three days of the show.

TWE 2024

Networking The Networking Café provides a casual setting for workplace and FM professionals to connect, cultivate thought-provoking conversations, and build lasting relationships.

Fuel your conversations in an environment designed to foster spontaneous interactions and the exchange of fresh perspectives.

J

FURTHER INFORMATION

Register today and find out more: www.theworkplaceevent.com

75

Social Care

Embracing technological transformation in adult social care: techUK’s vision Alex Lawrence, head of health & social care, techUK sets out techUK’s Five Point Plan for CareTech In April 2023, the minister of state for social care highlighted decades of neglect in adult social care, calling for long-overdue action. Given alarming demographic trends and a frightening shortage of care staff, it is indisputable that technology must play a key role in the UK’s ability to address this neglect.

It was with this in mind that earlier this year, via our Social Care Working Group, techUK developed the “The Five Point Plan for CareTech”, setting out the transformational potential of digital, data, and technology across the care sector. The report delves into the critical challenges facing adult social care and underscores the revolutionary potential of technology-based solutions.

Addressing the pressing issues of an aging population and surging demand for quality care, the report envisions digital innovation as the catalyst for improving health-span, enhancing quality of life, and generating significant societal and economic benefits.

Technology is the cornerstone for reshaping adult social care, enabling citizens to lead independent lives and empowering care providers to deliver personalised services.

As highlighted in the report by Sir David Pearson, chair of TEC Quality, and former president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), “there is now a groundswell of opinion that digital solutions can significantly benefit health and care in the third decade of the 21st century. People realise that technology helps to meet additional needs arising from demographic change and the demands this will place on health and care services.”

We were also honoured to have the endorsement of Clive Gilbert, senior policy and research manager at policy connect, who shared his personal experience accessing assistive technology through the care system: “When I was 15 years old, my life changed. My special needs school referred me to the Communication Aids Project (CAP), a government programme that provided technology to help children and young people with significant communication difficulties (like me) access the school curriculum, interact with others and make a successful transition into adulthood.” Clive’s story highlighting how integrated services can have profound impact on people’s lives. E Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

77

Social Care

F Making recommendations across five key areas, this report serves as a call to action for stakeholders across the spectrum, from policymakers and care providers to technology innovators and citizens, to come together and shape the future of adult social care through digital transformation.

Citizen-focused outcomes Digital poverty and exclusion are currently significant barriers to the uptake of innovations that improve the provision of care.

Understanding the national prevalence of these issues is a crucial first step. Following this, the government must seek to address digital poverty and exclusion by better coordinating efforts between government departments, in particular the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) and the Department of Levelling-Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC).

One solution that has been proposed for facilitating joined-up services is Citizen Health Accounts, put forward in the Hewitt Review commissioned by the Government. These would require health and care providers to publish relevant data held on an individual into an account that sits outside the various health and care IT systems. Although this is ambitious, it is already happening in pockets across the country, and we strongly urge government to investigate supporting the programme at a national scale.

Further to this, we must provide citizens with a clear overview of the technology available to them at a local level, creating digital libraries to provide clarity and support inclusion. The NHS App is already going some way towards providing this service, but partnership with providers of existing digital solutions across health and care will be crucial to ensure the App provides a comprehensive service.

Underpinning the report is the need to develop a clear methodology for co-producing technology-based care solutions. The TSA recently published Six Tips for Successful CoProduction, providing a great starting point for those looking to listen to the lived experience of people and their families.

Investment Local authorities face challenges across the board, including navigating a complex and fragmented funding landscape, dealing with large increases in costs due to inflation, managing interest rate volatility, and addressing National Living Wage rises. It is crucial that,

78

in tandem, the UK’s social care workforce is developed, and that this is backed by centrally driven support for technology deployment.

The recent NHS Long Term Workforce Plan recognised that “the challenges described are not unique to the NHS, and the NHS does not operate in a vacuum”, calling out the impact of “pressure in social care, which impacts patient flow through the healthcare system and builds demand by increasing the burden of disease and complexity of conditions over the longer term.” Despite this, there is no equivalent plan for the care workforce.

Investing in new digital skills in professional development pathways for both social care practitioners and the domiciliary care workforce would make the sector a more attractive place to work and grow. As such, the UK desperately needs a comprehensive training and development strategy for care workers.

Collaboration There is widespread recognition that to improve outcomes and experiences for UK citizens, collaboration between the health and social care sectors is imperative. With the advent of “place-based care” as a popular concept, it has become clear that a more nuanced view of collaboration is necessary. Within a highly complex social care landscape, where the provision of care is the responsibility of over 18,000 different organisations, technology has the potential to drastically improve outcomes.

This report recommends that services should be redesigned around a whole-system approach where a case worker can oversee an individual’s needs, empowered by technology.

To improve outcomes and experiences for UK citizens, collaboration between the health and social care sectors is imperative

Data and interoperability Recipients of social care often move between care settings, receiving primary, acute and domiciliary care. This means that capturing and sharing information with an individual, their family, and different services is crucial to providing high quality care. Better use of integrated technology and data that can follow citizens throughout their health and care journeys is a key ambition for the UK. However, the ability to make this a reality is hindered by the complexity of the interoperability landscape. With longstanding debates around the definition of interoperability, and a continued lack of clarity concerning the mandating of standards, there is much confusion about how data can best be used to provide more effective social care.

While progress has been made within the NHS in recent years, social care remains at an early stage in the interoperability and data journey.

The standardisation of data formats and terminologies, investment in IT infrastructure to update legacy IT, and a commitment to embed the principles of barrier-free data sharing and

The public looks at social care through the lens of the NHS

Social Care

It also emphasises the necessity for social care providers to be included as equal partners in the Integrated Care Strategies, for which ICPs have a statutory duty to create.

To further promote the collaboration we need, techUK called for the systematisation of best practice sharing, which is already happening in pockets across the NHS. Such changes would be unlocked by the removal of obstacles to budget pooling, enabling shared incentives across the NHS and care providers.

exchange, would significantly improve citizens experience of care.

Industry as a partner Innovation cannot take place without true collaboration between social care providers and the supplier community. Ultimately, the shared ambition to improve outcomes for citizens should facilitate the breakdown of barriers and enable fruitful partnerships that improve the quality of care. We urge the Government and public sector stakeholders to implement to address these challenges, many of which are fundamental financial and cultural issues.

Currently, the public looks at social care through the lens of the NHS, and until we see a top-down change that places social care on par with health, radical system change is unlikely to follow.

Ultimately, techUK’s Five Point Plan is a call to action. We urge stakeholders to embrace technological solutions and transform the landscape of adult social care. By integrating technology, fostering collaboration, and addressing key challenges, it is possible to create a future where citizens live healthier, happier, more independent lives. But to get there, this ambitious undertaking requires collective commitment, innovative thinking, and the courage to build a new era of care for all. L FURTHER INFORMATION

www.techuk.org

79

TWE 2024

The Corporate Wellbeing Expo: elevating employee health and productivity In the competitive landscape of the corporate world, employee wellbeing has historically taken a backseat to the pursuit of success and profit. However, a paradigm shift is underway, recognising that a healthy workforce is not only essential for individual fulfilment but also pivotal for overall corporate success. The emergence of events like The Corporate Wellbeing Expo encapsulates this The evolving corporate culture Corporate culture, traditionally synonymous with long hours, high stress, and a singleminded focus on financial targets, is undergoing a transformation. A growing understanding of workplace dynamics acknowledges that a healthy and content workforce is more likely to be a productive and innovative one. The Corporate Wellbeing Expo stands as a testament to this shift, providing a platform for businesses to actively prioritise the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their employees.

Physical wellbeing: a foundation for productivity The Corporate Wellbeing Expo recognises that physical wellbeing is not solely a personal matter but a fundamental pillar of workplace productivity.

In a world where sedentary lifestyles and deskbound routines prevail, the expo champions a shift towards healthier habits. By bringing together fitness experts, nutritionists, and wellness professionals, the expo serves as a valuable resource, providing employees with information and resources to cultivate a healthier lifestyle.

From guided exercise routines to personalised nutritional guidance, the expo empowers individuals to make informed choices that contribute to their overall health. The long-term impact of these choices extends beyond the workplace, influencing personal lives and fostering a culture of wellbeing within communities.

Mental health awareness: breaking the stigma In recent years, the importance of mental health

in the workplace has gained significant attention.

The Corporate Wellbeing Expo confronts this issue head-on by providing a platform for mental health experts, psychologists, and counsellors.

These professionals offer valuable insights into stress management, mindfulness practices, and strategies for achieving a healthy work-life balance.

One of the expo’s notable contributions is its role in destigmatising mental health challenges.

By openly addressing these issues within a corporate setting, the event encourages a culture of empathy and understanding. Employees, no longer burdened by the fear of judgement, are more likely to seek support when needed. This proactive approach not only enhances individual wellbeing but also contributes to a more compassionate and supportive workplace culture.

Welcoming their Headline Keynote Speaker, Frank Bruno, ex-heavyweight world champion and mental health advocate and author, the event looks forward to learning from Frank’s passion, experience and expertise.

Employee engagement and team building: unleashing collective potential A company is more than a sum of its individual parts; it is a collective force driven by the synergy of its employees. The Corporate Wellbeing Expo recognises the importance of fostering a sense of community and belonging within the workplace. Through a myriad of exhibitors, seminars, and keynote speakers, the expo creates opportunities for employers to learn about supporting their employees on a personal level.

80 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Work-life balance: sustaining professional fulfilment The pursuit of professional success often comes at the cost of personal wellbeing. The Corporate Wellbeing Expo addresses this imbalance by highlighting the importance of work-life balance. Seminars and keynote sessions on time management, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care equip employers with practical strategies for maintaining a healthy equilibrium between their professional and personal lives.

By promoting a healthier balance, the expo contributes to increased job satisfaction and overall fulfilment. Employees who feel supported in their pursuit of a balanced life are likely to be more engaged, loyal, and productive.

The expo’s holistic approach recognises that sustained professional success is intimately tied to individual wellbeing and happiness.

Corporate social responsibility: a commitment beyond profits The Corporate Wellbeing Expo extends its impact beyond the confines of individual companies, aligning with the principles of corporate social responsibility. By actively participating in events that prioritise employee wellbeing, businesses demonstrate a commitment to societal health and happiness.

This commitment transcends the traditional boundaries of profit margins and market share, positioning companies as responsible stewards of the communities they operate within.

Employees who witness their employers actively contributing to societal wellbeing are likely to feel a stronger sense of pride and

loyalty. The expo’s ripple effect goes beyond the workplace, influencing how companies are perceived by the broader public. This positive image contributes to enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty, ultimately benefiting the bottom line.

TWE 2024

The Corporate Wellbeing Expo’s emphasis on teamwork contributes not only to a more harmonious work environment but also to improved organisational performance.

The corporate wellbeing expo as a catalyst for change The Corporate Wellbeing Expo emerges as a transformative force within the corporate landscape. Its comprehensive approach to employee health and productivity addresses not only the immediate wellbeing of individuals but also the long-term sustainability of businesses. The expo’s impact goes beyond the event itself, influencing workplace culture, employee morale, and societal perceptions of corporate responsibility.

As companies increasingly recognise the interconnectedness of employee wellbeing and organisational success, events like The Corporate Wellbeing Expo become integral to shaping the future of work. By investing in the health and happiness of their workforce, businesses set the stage for sustained growth, innovation, and positive societal impact. Embracing the principles exemplified by The Corporate Wellbeing Expo is not merely a trend; it is a strategic investment in the holistic success of both individuals and the organisations they serve. In a world where the lines between personal and professional life are increasingly blurred, the expo stands as a beacon, guiding companies toward a future where success is measured not only in profits but in the wellbeing and satisfaction of their most valuable asset — their employees.

J

FURTHER INFORMATION

www.businessrevivalseries.co.uk/ the-corporate-wellbeing-expo

81

We do IT Services

Right.

Server Sales

Parts Sales

Circular Economy

We sell fully refurbished servers to your specification with a full 1-year warranty at a fraction of the price of new.

With 200,000+ computer parts we are here to help you maintain and upgrade your machines.

We buy used computer equipment to refurbish and resell / reuse within your organisation or environmentally scrap, extracting all precious metals. etc

Contact

L EF

Us

imesales@imeurope.co.uk 01993866166

Inventory Management Europe Ltd Avenue Four, Station Lane Witney, OX28 4BN GB

Framework

Technology Products & Associated Services 2 Crown Commercial Service’s Technology Products & Associated Services 2 allows all public sector organisations to access technology hardware, software and services including end user devices, servers, storage, infrastructure devices, software licences and accessories The framework has eight Lots and 156 suppliers and will run for 30 months until April 2026.

Using the framework, buyers can purchase end user devices (laptops, desktops, mobiles, and tablets); technology infrastructure (servers, storage, backup, data centres equipment, network hardware, hubs, routers, and switches); consumables (cabling, connectors, data storage and memory sticks); and peripheral equipment (keyboards, mouse, screens, monitors and audio-visual equipment).

Also available are services including: data moves, changes, logistics support, product asset management, product and end user support, tech guidance and training.

The framework also covers commercial off the shelf (COTS) software which is commercially ready-made and available for sale, ‘as a service’, lease, or licence and is generally sourced from resellers (for example, Microsoft, VMware, Google, Oracle, ServiceNow, antivirus software and adobe).

Benefits The framework offers a range of benefits, including a wide range of products, software and services.

The framework boasts 157 high-quality suppliers including manufacturers, channel partners and resellers across eight lots. Some of the lots are sector specific.

TPAS2 offers four ways to buy - further competition, simplified further competition, direct award and catalogue and there is no maximum call-off term.

It also provides a variety of ways for you to get goods and services, such as the leasing of goods, consumption models and as a service models.

There is supply chain assurance through the electronics watch affiliation which provides better transparency data regarding supply chain violations for modern slavery and rights infringement. There is also guidance and templates to support ease of use. E Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

83

Framework

F With regards to social value, all suppliers for this agreement have agreed to provide social value through each customer’s Call-Off Contract. They comply with the Procurement Policy Note 06/20: ‘taking account of social value in the award of central government contracts’.

Social value in procurement is important as procurement should consider more than just cost considerations, and look at positive impacts on communities and stakeholders. Organisations can contribute to sustainable development and enhance their reputation by prioritising ethical and socially responsible practices.

As with many recent CCS frameworks, all suppliers for this agreement have committed to comply with the Procurement Policy Note 06/21: ‘Taking account of Carbon Reduction Plans in the procurement of major government contracts’ as required. Carbon Reduction Plans can be found on individual supplier details pages. When it comes to procurement, it can be hard to influence your supply chain when trying to reduce your own emissions.

However there are ways in which procurement decisions can be made to have a positive carbon impact and it comes down to choosing suppliers with better credentials or encouraging your suppliers to do more.

Suppliers should be able to give you information about their carbon emissions and what they are doing to reduce them as part of the procurement process. Note that some SMEs may struggle providing more detailed analysis due to lack of resources, but if any supplier is not able to give you any sort of information, that’s a red flag.

A carbon reduction plan (CRP) is intended to help customers understand the impact to the

environment of a supplier’s operations. A CRP sets out an organisation’s emissions across the year, measured against a range of emissions sources and greenhouse gases.

The UK government has a target to reduce carbon consumption to net zero by 2050.

This means, of course, that the public sector needs to be carbon neutral, and this involves procurement.

CRPs must: state a commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050 in the UK; set out the environmental management measures in effect, that will apply when the bidder is performing the contract; outline the bidder’s “baseline emissions footprint”; be approved by a director (or equivalent); and be published on the bidder’s website. E

All suppliers for this agreement have agreed to provide social value through each customer’s Call-Off Contract

85

EUROSTAR GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION PARTNER FOR NOKIA CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR CROWN COMMERCIAL SERVICE ENQUIRIES 01782 565 555 I ccs.orders@eurostarglobal.co.uk

Framework

The Carbon Reduction Plans written by suppliers include a commitment to achieving Net Zero F The Carbon Reduction Plans written by suppliers include a commitment to achieving Net Zero and a declaration of the company’s baseline emissions footprint. This is a record of the greenhouse gases that were produced in the past, before the introduction of any strategies to reduce emissions. This serves as a reference

point against which emissions reduction can be measured.

Baseline emissions include recorded emissions for Scopes 1, 2 and 3. Areas that may be covered by this and counted in the emissions include: electricity, heating, travel, printing, buildings, and waste.

Lots Lot 2: Hardware is for hardware products and services only and includes end user devices such as laptops, desktops, mobiles, and tablets; device as a service such as outsourcing hardware and device management and infrastructure as a service.

Lot 3: Software enables the purchase of software products and services only and includes commercial off the shelf (COTS) software which is commercially ready-made and available for sale, ‘as a service’, lease, or licence and is generally sourced from resellers (for example, Microsoft, VMware, Google, Oracle, ServiceNow, antivirus software and adobe) and business software and productivity (such as MS Office, Teams, Google Docs) or resource management software (such as Smartsheet project).

Lot 1 Hardware and Software and Associated Services combines both hardware, software and services through a single lot. Buyers can procure all the hardware, software and services listed in lots 2 and 3 including: end user devices such as laptops, desktops, mobiles, and tablets; E Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

87

Framework

Lot 1 Hardware and Software and Associated Services combines both hardware, software and services through a single lot

88

F device as a service such as outsourcing hardware and device management; and consumables such as cabling, connectors, data storage and memory sticks.

The fourth lot Information Assured Technology combines both hardware, software and services from lots 2 and 3 through a single lot but only from suppliers that are list X accredited. These suppliers have Developed Vetting (DV) cleared resources. List X contractors are companies operating in the UK who are working on UK government contracts which require them to hold classified information.

Lot 5 is specifically for Health and Social Care Technology and provides hardware, software and services designed for the health and social care sector. Lot 5 includes assistive technologies and products for example, screen readers, screen magnifiers and voice recognition; remote monitoring products and systems; laptop trolleys; screen mounts; and virtual reality products and services such as, sensory accessories, headsets, movement trackers and systems.

Lot 6 covers Education Technology and combines both hardware, software and services through a single lot for the education sector. All the hardware and software services listed in lots 2 and 3 are available on Lot 6.

Lot 7: Sustainability and Circular IT provides recycling and secure disposal services for software and hardware products. It enables the purchase of refurbished or repurposed

Framework

Option 3 is to direct award and option 4 is the online catalogue an online catalogue. It is intended for low value and low complexity requirements.

Buying As mentioned above, there are four ways to buy through the framework. Option 1 is to run a further competition, including price, quality and social value weightings. Option 2 is to run a simplified further competition, including price and social value weightings.

For the first two options, it is possible to use your own procurement method or the eSourcing tool provided by CCS. Option 3 is to direct award and option 4 is the online catalogue. For these options, the Purchasing Platform is required to be used. L

technology for example, refurbished/ secondhand laptops, desktops, mobiles and more.

The final lot Technology Catalogue is for buying hardware, software and services through

FURTHER INFORMATION

https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/ agreements/RM6098

NO SIGNAL? NO PROBLEM If you can’t connect to your phone network, simply open and send your message. Unimpaired productivity for your business even in remote, out-of-signal areas. Keep lone workers safe, timelines on-track, and clients in the loop at every stage of a project.

CAT S75 ®

trade dress and logos are the property of their respective owners and may not be used without such owner’s permission. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.

EUROSTAR GLOBAL IS THE EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION PARTNER IN THE UK FOR BULLITT. CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR CROWN COMMERCIAL SERVICE ENQUIRIES 01782 565 555 I ccs.orders@eurostarglobal.co.uk

Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

89

Event Preview

Unlocking Tomorrow’s Connectivity: The Communication Technology Expo 2024 In a world where communication technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for both personal and professional growth. The Communication Technology Expo, scheduled for the 13th and 14th of March 2024, promises to be a pivotal event for anyone seeking to explore the cutting-edge advancements in the field. From networking opportunities to hands-on demonstrations and thought-provoking discussions, here’s why you should mark your calendar for this immersive experience Innovative Exhibitors and Demonstrations: One of the primary reasons to attend the Communication Technology Expo is the opportunity to witness firsthand the latest innovations and breakthroughs in communication technology. Renowned companies and startups alike will showcase their cutting-edge products and services, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of connectivity.

From 5G technologies and IoT solutions to augmented reality applications, the Expo will be a treasure trove of technological wonders.

Networking Opportunities: Networking is often touted as the lifeblood of professional development, and the Communication

Technology Expo provides an exceptional platform for forging meaningful connections.

Attendees will have the chance to engage with industry experts, thought leaders, and likeminded professionals. Whether you’re looking for potential collaborators, seeking mentorship, or exploring job opportunities, the Expo’s networking sessions are designed to facilitate meaningful interactions that can propel your career forward.

Educational Seminars: The Expo is not just about showcasing the latest gadgets and gizmos; it is also a hub for knowledge dissemination. Attendees can participate in a series of seminars led by experts in the field. These sessions will cover a diverse range of topics, from the fundamentals of communication technology to in-depth discussions on emerging trends. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, the educational aspect of the Expo ensures that there is something for everyone.

Insightful Keynote Speakers: The Communication Technology Expo boasts an impressive lineup of keynote speakers who are pioneers and influencers in the communication technology space.

These industry leaders will share their insights, experiences, and visions for the future. By attending these keynote sessions, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the industry landscape, technological trajectories, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

90

Exposure to Emerging Trends: Staying informed about emerging trends is essential in the fast-paced world of communication technology. The Expo is a hub where attendees can gain insight into the next big things, from advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning to the integration of communication technologies in smart cities. By staying ahead of these trends, attendees can position themselves as innovators and leaders in their respective fields.

Global Perspectives and Collaboration: The Expo attracts professionals and enthusiasts from around the world, providing a unique opportunity to gain global perspectives on communication technology. Collaboration knows no boundaries, and the Expo serves as a meeting ground for individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

By engaging with a global community, attendees can broaden their horizons and contribute to the collective advancement of communication technology on a global scale.

Community Building and Engagement: Beyond the formal sessions and exhibitions, the Expo fosters a sense of community among attendees. Whether through interactive forums, group activities, or casual networking lounges, participants can engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and build lasting connections.

The sense of belonging to a community of like-minded individuals enhances the overall experience and creates opportunities for collaboration long after the Expo concludes.

Showcasing Sustainable Solutions: In an era where environmental sustainability is a growing concern, the Expo is committed to showcasing communication technologies that prioritise eco-friendly practices. From energyefficient devices to sustainable infrastructure solutions, attendees will gain insights into how the industry is addressing environmental

challenges. This focus on sustainability aligns with the growing emphasis on corporate responsibility and provides a glimpse into the future of eco-conscious technology.

Event Preview

Hands-On Learning Opportunities: For those who learn best by doing, the Expo offers various hands-on learning opportunities. Interactive demonstrations and workshops allow attendees to engage with the technology on a practical level, fostering a deeper understanding of how these innovations work. Whether you’re interested in coding for the latest communication protocols or experimenting with the newest hardware, the hands-on activities at the Expo provide a unique and invaluable learning experience.

Inclusive and Diverse Perspectives: The Communication Technology Expo emphasises inclusivity and diversity, recognizing the importance of varied perspectives in driving innovation.

With a diverse range of speakers, exhibitors, and attendees, the Expo creates an environment where different voices are heard and valued.

This commitment to diversity ensures that the event reflects the rich tapestry of the global communication technology community.

Opportunities for Startups: For startups in the communication technology sector, the Expo serves as a launchpad for visibility and collaboration. Emerging companies can showcase their products and ideas, connect with potential investors, and receive feedback from industry experts. The Expo’s supportive environment provides startups with a unique opportunity to gain traction, form strategic partnerships, and elevate their presence in the competitive technology landscape.

Interactive Panels and Q&A Sessions: An essential aspect of the Expo is the opportunity to engage in interactive panels and Q&A sessions. These forums provide a platform for attendees to delve deeper into specific topics, ask questions directly to experts, and participate in discussions that go beyond the standard presentations. The interactive nature of these sessions fosters a dynamic and engaging environment, encouraging active participation from the audience.

So will you be joining us at The Communication Technology Expo? This is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the future of connectivity. From exploring innovative products to networking with industry leaders and gaining hands-on experience, the Expo offers a comprehensive and immersive experience that can significantly impact your professional journey. As technology continues to shape the way we communicate and connect, being part of this transformative event ensures that you are not just a spectator but an active participant in shaping the future of communication technology. L FURTHER INFORMATION

www.communicationtechnologyexpo.co.uk Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

91

Detect and Mitigate Threats to Communities and Critical Assets

Using Insights from Open-Source Intelligence Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) provides Intelligence Services, Police, Home Office, Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, and Border Control deep insights into online activities that could threaten safety and security.

Automated Open-Source Intelligence can:

Reveal hidden online connections between people, locations, assets and currency indicative of organized criminal activity.

Provide real-time alerts into threats made against people and places to protect public safety.

www.cobwebs.com

Guardian by

Ultra

Accelerate investigations forward by unraveling complex online schemes, exposing threat groups and uncovering hidden assets.

info@cobwebs.com

Guardian Ultra is the latest intelligent personnel protection product from Safetech.

It prevents accidents by detecting anyone in danger and automatically stopping the machinery.

The new system features extensive improvements using state-of-the-art technology, with digital monitoring and reporting. A PL-d has been validated by an independent test house.

The aerial frame has been completely redesigned using glass-reinforced plastic, which is light yet strong.

Protects workers even if: · Trapped · Concealed · Unconscious · Injured T: +44 (0) 191 521 4316 E: info@safetechsystems.com W: www.safetechsystems.com

92 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Cybersecurity

What cyber dangers do government officials face in 2024?

Tom Kidwell, co-founder of Ecliptic Dynamics and former British Army and UK Government intelligence specialist and internet infrastructure security professional for the public sector looks at cyber risk in 2024 In the last 12 months, the state of the cyber threat landscape has become increasingly tumultuous. The number of attacks is increasing, malicious threat actors are becoming yet more indiscriminate in their approach, and governments and public sector organisations have become key targets.

But this threat is not a new one. In 2017, Westminster reported that a sustained cyberattack had impacted the Houses of Parliament, attempting to steal emails of government members. It was claimed by Whitehall officials that the attack was staged by Iran and was later followed up by a separate attack on the Scottish Parliament. And just this month, the UK accused the Russian Secret Service, the FSB, of carrying out hundreds of attacks on politicians, civil servants, journalists, think-tank members, academics and other public sector officials.

The reality is that 2024 will hold many of the same dangers. However, there will be

some worrying differences, particularly for government officials.

How has the landscape changed?

Cybercrime has become one of the most difficult issues for governments to get ahold of, and devolving foreign relations are only making it more difficult. Conflicts across Europe, Africa and the Middle East have caused an uptick in malicious cyber activity, as warring states look to gain the upper hand on their enemies.

Advancements in technologies such as AI and deepfakes are creating yet more problems for organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors, while the entry bar for cybercriminals is at its lowest ever point, with off-the-shelf products giving complete novices the ability to infiltrate environments, encrypt data, and secure ransom payments.

All of these factors are being accentuated by a lack of funding for many areas of the public E Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

93

Cybersecurity

F sector. In the United Kingdom, the economy has stalled, with interest rates stagnating at 5.2 per cent. And although spending on cybersecurity from the UK government is in the billions of pounds, this simply isn’t enough to tackle the problem head on.

This leaves government officials in a difficult position, and the need for constant vigilance, watertight processes, and increased understanding from a cyber perspective is critical to avoiding more attacks on our national critical infrastructure.

What will 2024’s cyber threats look like for government officials?

Increased use of AI In 2023, AI transformed from a conceptual technology of the future, to being integrated into almost every walk of life. From healthcare and schooling, to banking and hospitality, every industry is looking to improve its efficiency using AI. However, the rise of AI has opened up yet more opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit.

For attackers, finding the path of least resistance is what they thrive on. This is why phishing and other low-skill attack vectors are the most common. With AI, it allows criminal

With AI, it allows criminal groups to automate email campaigns, write malicious code Tom Kidwell

94

groups to automate email campaigns, write malicious code, and clone the language of a brand or person in moments using advanced language models. This makes it easier to carry out attacks, again lowering the bar for entry for attackers.

Deepfakes For government officials, identity validation is critical to carrying out their jobs, and remaining secure. However, advancements in the deepfake field are making this increasingly difficult.

Deepfakes involve manipulating media, using deep generative tech to clone a person’s likeness, usually their face or voice. This means that criminal gangs can copy the likeness of a government official, let’s say a cabinet minister, and send a video message to a junior minister asking them to open an attachment from an email they just sent through. This attachment could contain ransomware or other malware which steals and encrypts data or gives the attackers access to harvest and compromise sensitive government information from the network.

These types of attacks are likely to become increasingly prevalent in 2024, with more and more malicious groups getting hold of deepfake capabilities.

Interference in elections In 2024, more than 40 countries will be taking part in elections, with these states making up more than half of the global GDP. More than 3.2 billion people will be heading to polling stations to cast their votes, and while change may represent a positive step in many of these nations, there is a critical cyber threat which must be considered.

Starting with Taiwan in January, it is almost undoubtable that China will have an impact on the election. And later in the year, it is just as likely that Russia and China alike will attempt to interfere with the American election. Attackers from these states will look to manipulate voters.

This will be done using a number of techniques, including targeted social media activity, as well as attempted data breaches on candidates and campaign staff. Attackers will be looking to gain access to potentially damaging material such as personal emails or messages, with the goal of leaking them to the media and swaying public opinion.

Deepfakes are also an issue. Malicious groups can use them to create fake media of candidates delivering fabricated speeches or interviews

Cybersecurity

Tensions between superpowers such as China and the United States are continuing to escalate which align them with the wrong side of controversial issues. Due to the quality of video and audio produced by deepfakes, the fakes are almost indistinguishable from reality.

This level of interference isn’t new. In fact, the recent UK report which accused the FSB of continuous attacks on the UK public sector, also revealed that one Russian cyber group had stolen data which was linked to the 2019 election and made it public.

State-funded cyber activity Global relations are becoming increasingly tenuous. There are conflicts going on in continents around the world, from the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the more recent IsraelHamas war. On top of this, tensions between superpowers such as China and the United States are continuing to escalate, despite recent promises that they would move forward as friends.

These evolving fronts are giving rise to increased cyber activity funded by certain states. For example, it’s impossible for Russia to consider a physical attack on NATO nations, however, cyber-attacks can be much easier to cover up, and still cause huge amounts of

damage and disruption. This anonymity is increased when states use private, criminal cyber groups to carry out attacks.

In order to avoid blowback and harsh sanctions, states such as Russia commission cybercriminals to carry out attacks on foreign critical infrastructure for them. In return, they offer them refuge in Russia, allowing them to operate as an everyday business. Recent reports suggest that these groups have high-rise offices, HR departments, holiday allowances and even flexible working. In 2024, government officials will likely become a target of these groups, funded by foreign governments to cause disruption within the UK government.

The next 12 months will be a difficult one for the UK public sector, and remaining vigilant is critical to minimising the impact of malicious cyber activity. It’s the responsibility of government bodies to ensure their staff are prepared and protected, and that appropriate funding is made available to the public sector to protect themselves. Many criminal gangs are now propped up by nation states, and we can’t allow them to gain the upper hand from an investment, awareness and capability perspective. L Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

95

3M™ Bright Screen Privacy Filters

Shield your screens from prying eyes while experiencing best-in-class brightness and exceptional clarity. 3M™ Bright Screen Privacy Filters utilise nanolouver technology to help you deter visual hackers while enabling up to 85% light transmission for the intended user. This makes them approximately 25% brighter than competing privacy screens.

Learn more search “3M Privacy filter”

Advertisement Feature

Enhancing data security: the importance of 3M Bright Screen Laptop Filters Data security is crucial in today’s digital age, particularly for government and public sector organisations. Protecting on-screen data is essential, and this article emphasises the importance of 3M Bright Screen Laptop Privacy Filters in enhancing data security for laptop users in these sectors By reducing the viewing angle, it becomes nearly impossible for shoulder surfers to gather valuable information, enhancing data security.

Compliance with data protection regulations is crucial. Implementing 3M Bright Screen Laptop Privacy Filters demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to data security and compliance, protecting sensitive information at all times.

Protection from being vulnerable Laptop screens are vulnerable to visual hacking, where unauthorised individuals can view or capture sensitive information. This poses a significant risk, especially in public spaces or shared work environments. 3M Bright Screen Laptop Privacy Filters address this vulnerability by limiting the viewing angle, ensuring that only the user can see the screen contents. This protects sensitive information in crowded or open environments.

Government and public sector employees often work in public spaces where visual hacking is common. These filters act as a shield, preventing prying eyes from accessing sensitive data, ensuring privacy and maintaining data integrity.

Shoulder surfing, another technique used by hackers, is effectively mitigated by these filters.

More critical than ever With the rise of remote work, data security is even more critical. These filters provide an additional layer of security, allowing employees to work confidently in public spaces without compromising data confidentiality.

Investing in these filters is cost-effective compared to the potential consequences of a data breach. They are easy to install, durable, and compatible with various laptop models.

By implementing them, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of visual hacking and protect their valuable data assets.

In conclusion, data security is a top priority for government and public sector organisations.

3M Bright Screen Laptop Privacy Filters offer an effective solution to safeguard sensitive information, maintain data confidentiality, and comply with regulations. Investing in these filters enhances data security and ensures the privacy of on-screen data, even in challenging environments. L FURTHER INFORMATION

Screen Privacy and Protection | 3M UK Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

97

Smart Cities

AI & misinformation Professor Harith Alani, director of the Knowledge Management Institute at the Open University explains how AI can be used for good and bad Social media still runs on a fuel of controversy.

That means people being actively rewarded for sharing engaging content regardless of the facts — contaminating beliefs and attitudes. Work at the Open University during the Covid-19 period, as one example, showed how false information about the disease reached three times more people than the corrected facts.

98

It might be casual, unintentional posting or it might be intentional harm. Either way, when misinformation or disinformation relates to issues of health, politics, the environment, the economy, it’s a kind of pollution which is a threat to the role of governments and societies themselves. A shared belief in the existence of a common good and common truths, after all, has been the basis of democracy and its freedoms.

Obvious breaches of law, those posts which involve hate crime or child pornography, now fall under the Online Safety Act. But misinformation can be subjective, subtle and complex. People share what they want to share, what they find eye-catching and alarming, and are rewarded with shares and attention for being controversial, no matter how inaccurate or harmful the claim: an unstoppable flood across networks of information, into people’s homes, conversations and thinking around the world.

Here is a hugely important and particular way that AI can be used for social good, taking on the vast job of protecting media content of all kinds from obvious types of pollution and

AI can work with the mass of historic data to help identify what is likely to constitute misinformation, picking up on previously debunked claims and recurring templates

Smart Cities

restoring trust. AI is going to be an increasingly important tool for analysing what’s happening around misinformation and experimenting with ways of preventing spread and repairing its damage.

There have been many lab studies into the work of misinformation, involving simulations with controlled groups and their responses.

The problem is that in the real world, the dynamics are very different, especially when misinformation is being shared deliberately.

There is also the need to look at the actual impact of corrections. It can’t be assumed that sharing accurate information will resolve anything in itself.

The OU’s Knowledge Management Institute is currently looking into the mechanics and impact of corrections. Research into both Covid-19 and other misinformation spread via Twitter/X found how 5,000 posts were corrected, but of those, only around 10 per cent reacted in any way, the majority appeared to ignore the correction; and only around 10 per cent of those who did react did so positively.

Given the nature of digital media and how it’s used, misinformation can’t be eliminated, but AI and machine learning can be used to build a new environment, improving awareness and the responses in a more timely and effective way. In this way the system can be turned on its head: where truth matters and is recognised positively, creating a new kind of fuel for social media and Internet content generally, pushing engagement in the right direction.

AI can work with the mass of historic data to help identify what is likely to constitute misinformation, picking up on previously debunked claims and recurring templates.

The technology can automatically assess and monitor the credibility of online accounts, and be used to predict the use of misinformation before it happens based on past events — when and why trends for misinformation occur, like a pandemic or conflict — allowing for more advanced algorithms and counter-strategies to be prepared. AI is also important for tracking the spread and effectiveness of fact-checking and corrections. Timing is critical. Evidence suggests that corrections need to be circulating before a tipping point of false claims has already taken hold.

Generic fact-checked responses can be more or less effective depending on the audience.

More needs to be done, using AI, to identify the nature of the recipients of corrective messages and personalise material. Are they influencers, conspiracy theorists, extremists or just accidental misinformers? Bot-like programs can be used to trial different approaches and monitor impacts, monitoring audience reactions to corrections, and automatically tuning and personalising interventions to maximise visibility and effects as they learn more about people’s characters and behaviours. E

99

Smart Cities

Self-regulation by social media platforms needs to be combined with legal frameworks F Certainly the major social media platforms are doing more to verify and report misinformation.

During the pandemic, Meta worked with factcheckers from more than 80 organisations, claiming to have removed more than 3,000 accounts, pages and groups and 20 million pieces of content. Twitter/X published policies to highlight its approach to reduce misinformation. But there are still questions over when policies are actually being enforced

100

and to what extent. Businesses want to protect their operations from criticism and restrictions, while at the same time minimising the costs involved. Twitter/X has been employing ‘curators’ to provide notes on context relating to trending topics which might be controversial, around the war in Ukraine for example (when the curators are believed to have removed 100,000 accounts for breaking rules). There is evidence this has had a positive effect in limiting the spread of false claims. The purchase of Twitter by Elon Musk, however, is understood to mean a reduction in the use of moderation.

There can be an element of self-regulation.

When generative AI software first came out, such as ChatGPT and BARD, they were ready to generate endless streams of false claims if prompted to do so, but more recent updates have improved the situation. Systems now refuse to generate what they detect to be potentially harmful or misinforming. However, it is unclear what stems have been used and to what extent they span across different topics and claims.

Ultimately though, self-regulation by social media platforms needs to be combined with legal frameworks. And that needs to include every social media player, not just the obvious targets, the fringe platforms as they emerge: blocking illegal content, demoting false information, promoting fact-checked and known truths. Monitoring and management of a good global communications space is a mindboggling one, but positive use of AI makes it workable. L

Smart Cities

The UK Government needs to throw its full support behind council climate action Climate Emergency UK explain what local and central government can do to influence emissions “There is plenty of regional, local and community will to act on net zero, but too often (national) government gets in the way,” states Chris Skidmore’s Mission Zero report. At Climate Emergency UK, we know there is plenty of regional, local and community support for reaching net zero because we conducted the first ever holistic assessment of all UK local authorities’ climate action - the Council Climate Action Scorecards (published October 2023).

The Action Scorecards, covering 91 questions across seven sections, show best practice in the sector, helping councils learn from each other where comparable climate policies or programmes exist in another local authority.

Local authorities have power and influence over one third of the UK’s emissions in their area and should be key partners in delivering a net zero UK. From the Action Scorecards results, with UK local authorities scoring an average of 33%, it is clear that councils could and should be doing more to reduce emissions. However, one of the keys to unlocking local climate

action is for the UK government to throw its full support behind councils’, removing the current barriers to council climate action and providing long-term secure funding.

Currently, the UK government insists on short-term, competitive and siloed funding pots for council climate action. Since 2019, councils have spent £130 million on applying for these funding pots, which is wasted if they are not successful. In addition, the shortterm nature of this funding impedes councils’ ability to produce the long-term strategic planning needed to take on the complex work of decarbonising local communities. It’s even worse when the funding pots are then reduced, such as when the government slashed Active Travel England’s budget by 66 per cent earlier this year or completely scrapped the Green Homes Grant scheme in 2021.

The inequality between different council areas is exacerbated by the nature of this funding.

Our Scorecards highlighted stark differences between the average energy efficiency of E Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

101

Smart Cities

English councils have the power to go beyond the national building regulations F councils’ social homes. This is driven by the competitive nature of the UK’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, one of 16 different energy efficiency schemes in the last three years. For example, Manchester City Council has 97 per cent of its social homes at EPC C or above, while just across the Peak District, Mansfield District Council only has 2 per cent of its social homes at this level. Bigger councils, with more money, are more able to dedicate the time and resources to secure funding. Then, once councils have won funding they are more likely to win again as they have established teams writing the funding bids.

There are signs of a move away from this piecemeal financing with the trailblazer devolution funding deals and greater control over levelling up funding pots, but these initiatives are nowhere near the size and scale of funding when compared to the current funding pots.

Barriers Other current barriers to council climate action include national policy, specifically around Planning and the Planning Inspectorates’ inconsistent decisions on net zero building standards. Pioneering councils - Bath & North East Somerset, Cornwall and Central Lincolnshire - have adopted operationally net zero standards for new builds. They have done so after proving that the policy works, that the policy meets the viability tests for local plans and with a clear understanding that higher building standards are key to reducing emissions. English councils have the power to go beyond the national building regulations due to the Planning & Energy Act in 2008 but the government has just released a new Written Ministerial Statement designed to curtail this power.

This new statement seeks to stop local authorities’ use of higher energy efficiency standards in their local plans, which helps lower bills, keeps people warm in their homes, and reduces the impact of electrification on the National Grid. Instead, the government plans to rely on the electric first (and energy efficiency as an afterthought) Future Homes Standard.

This is another example of the UK government stepping on innovative local climate action and further centralising power in Westminster.

Instead the government should be seeking to follow these pioneer authorities, embedding higher energy efficiency standards and tackling embodied emissions in the Future Homes Standard.

One of the fundamental actions the UK Government could take to throw their weight behind council climate action is to introduce a statutory duty for local authorities to meet the UK’s 2050 net zero target. This duty would have to be appropriately funded to allow local authorities to deliver this extra responsibility.

Scottish authorities on average score higher in the Scorecards than the rest of the UK because Scottish councils already have a statutory net zero duty. Of the 52 councils that score 20% or below in the Scorecards, 49 are English and Northern Irish councils, countries that have no statutory duty for councils to act on climate.

By introducing a statutory duty, and properly funding it, the Government would give the same weight to local climate action as social care or bin collections. This would allow officers and councillors country-wide to drive forward decarbonisation as a key priority for all UK councils.

We all fail to reach our 2050 net zero target when one area is left, or falls, behind. Proof that the UK government understands this will come when they provide long-term, non-competitive funding, removes policy barriers and provides legislative support for council climate action through a statutory net zero duty. Only then will we see local authorities racing to net zero and creating the low-emission communities we need. L

102 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Product Finders

BUSINESS CONSULTANCY ONE CONSULTING 0344 326 1221 info@oneconsulting.uk

www.oneconsulting.uk

‘One’ is an innovative business change partner, we support local government clients across the UK, to improve and evolve. Our audit and review work helps to provide answers to strategic business challenges, we support the delivery of complex change projects and we train people how to deliver and embed change.

DESIGN & BUILD ALIGN PROPERTY PARTNERS 01609 797373 info@alignpropertypartners.co.uk

www.alignpropertypartners.co.uk

Align is a single source building design consultancy, consisting of Architects, Building Surveyors, Project Managers, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Structural/Civil Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Highways, Sustainability Engineers and Property and CDM Advisors. Based in the North of England, our multi-disciplinary team has over a decade of experience in delivering a wide range of building projects across many sectors.

FIRE SAFETY TRIDENT FIRE COMPLIANCE www.tridentcompliance.co.uk/contact-us enquiries@tridentcompliance.co.uk

www.tridentcompliance.co.uk

Trident Fire Compliance are a fully independent and impartial consultancy specialising in the field of passive fire protection and fire safety in both new and existing buildings across the UK. Our services include passive fire protection consultations, specifications & inspections, compartmentation surveys, and fire risk assessments.

Issue 31.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

103

Advertisers Index

ADVERTISERS INDEX Business Information for Local and Central Government

The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service

3M United Kingdom

96

Hearthstone Investments

68

Adare Sec

6

Inventory Management Europe

82

Align Property Partners

103

Isuzu (UK)

BC

Asecca

84

London Waste Services

48

Barrettine Environmental Health

54

Longevity Partners

72

Bei Lighting

34

Mac’s Truck Rental

40

Cobwebs Technologies

92

One Consulting Partnership

103

Communication Technology Expo

90

Permiserv

42

Cornerstone Management Services

60

PestEx 2024

52

Corporate Wellbeing Expo

80

Philips Monitors

4

DSK Environmental

56

RSR Global

76

Eco Reinforcment

65

Safetech Systems

92

EcoGrit

30

Surefire Sprinklers

59

Edding UK

28

Swifty Clearances

51

Enel X

67

The Workplace Event

IBC, 74

Trident Fire Compliance

103

Eurostar Global

86, 89

Futurebuild

64

Urbis Schreder

8

Get It Gone

46

Virgin Media O2 Business

20

Hargassner

70

Wj Waste Removals

44

© 2024 Public Sector Information Limited. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any other means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the editorial content the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. ISSN 1470-0735

Government Business is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint please contact Polly Jones or Angela Pisanu on 0208 532 0055. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk

104 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

30 April – 2 May 2024 NEC Birmingham

SCAN TO REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE PASS Co-located with

THE HOME FOR WORKPLACE AND FACILITIES INNOVATION Lead Media Partner

GET INVOLVED: WWW.THEWORKPLACEEVENT.COM

FLEET REPEAT

Discover Isuzu UK’s Fleet Conversion Centre.

Our renowned team provides a tailored one-stop-shop vehicle production service, minimising downtime and guaranteeing optimal vehicle performance, safety, and Isuzu vehicle warranty preservation.

Experience the unrivalled New-Look Isuzu D-Max, winner of the prestigious Fleet News ‘Best all-terrain Workhorse award for two consecutive years. Learn why it is the ultimate choice for your fleet at isuzu.co.uk/fleet

DRIVEN TO DO