Manchester

Empowering Local Communities Through Fiscal Devolution The recent transfer of authority from central government to local communities opens up new avenues for investment in high streets, public transport, and tourism initiatives. This strategic shift aims to enhance the local economy and promote sustainable growth, particularly in regions frequented by millions of visitors to England each year. One of the key components of this initiative is the introduction of an Overnight Visitor Levy, which allows mayors and local leaders to impose a fee on overnight stays. This levy is designed to maximise the economic benefits derived from tourism while ensuring that it is implemented fairly. The government mandates that the levy be calculated as a percentage of accommodation costs, thereby safeguardin...

Renewed Commitment to UK Universities Good morning. It is a privilege to once again address universities across the United Kingdom. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for being reappointed as the Skills Minister. I approach this role with invigorated enthusiasm to assist you in serving students, communities, and the economy effectively. Universities play a pivotal role in the fabric of our nation, and this government is dedicated to enhancing the unique and positive influence you exert. There are numerous initiatives that I am excited to continue, such as ensuring your financial stability, promoting equitable access to higher education for all who can benefit, and elevating quality standards to maintain the integrity of your sector while utilising public funds responsibly. T...

Proposed Expansion of Surrey Hills AONB Natural England has put forth a formal proposal to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, seeking to extend the boundaries of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). If approved, this initiative would incorporate an additional 129 square kilometres into the existing Surrey Hills designation, representing a significant expansion of 30.5 per cent. Significance of the Surrey Hills Graham Horton, Deputy Director for the Thames Solent area at Natural England, expressed the importance of this landscape, stating, "The Surrey Hills is one of our nation’s most cherished landscapes, loved by the people who live here and by the millions who come to enjoy its beauty, wildlife and sense of tranquillity." He added that ...

Welcoming Remarks at Paternoster Square Good morning, everyone. It is an honour to be here with you this morning in Paternoster Square, a location that is profoundly symbolic for this summit. For centuries, this area of the city has served as a hub for ideas, commerce, and capital. Just a short distance away, St. Paul’s Cathedral stands as a testament to resilience, having been rebuilt through war, fire, and economic upheaval, emerging each time even stronger and more prosperous. This serves as a crucial reminder that economic advancement is rooted in the backing of innovative ideas, the establishment of businesses, and the allocation of investment into opportunities. This is precisely why private capital is vital; behind every investment lies the potential to support company expansion, fo...

Opening Remarks at the Housing Community Summit Good morning everyone. It is an honour to participate in this year’s Housing Community Summit, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the National Housing Federation and the Chartered Institute of Housing for their kind invitation. Being back in Liverpool is a genuine pleasure, particularly in a region known for its ambitious regeneration initiatives and a steadfast commitment to enhancing social and affordable housing provision. I would like to commend Steve Rotherham and Liam Robinson for their unwavering leadership in this crucial area. The Current State of the Housing Market Our housing market demonstrates resilience, and I am confident that recovery will be swift. However, as this audience is acutely aware, the current cli...

Strengthening AI Regulation in Healthcare On 10 September 2026, the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare unveiled a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at enhancing the regulatory framework for artificial intelligence in the UK's healthcare sector. The objective is to ensure that AI applications remain safe, keep pace with technological advancements, and maintain the public's trust. Currently, AI technologies are being utilised within the NHS to detect serious health issues, such as strokes and skin cancers, at early stages. Additionally, AI is facilitating administrative tasks through voice-enabled systems, thereby allowing healthcare professionals to devote more time to patient care. The Commission's recommendations are designed to expand the benefits of AI ...

Enhanced Protections for Private Renters Private renters are set to receive improved protections, increased transparency, and greater assurance regarding their living conditions as part of the forthcoming reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act. The government aims to empower tenants with tools that allow them to make informed decisions about their housing and facilitate more efficient dispute resolution with landlords. A key component of these reforms is the introduction of a national landlord registration service, which will be implemented in phases starting in December. This initiative will enable local councils to access vital information, aiding in the identification of unscrupulous landlords and expediting necessary actions against them. Building Confidence Through Transparency In the ...

Government Action Against Employers Failing to Meet Minimum Wage Standards In a significant move aimed at strengthening workers' rights, the government has unveiled a list of approximately 660 employers who have fallen short in paying their employees the National Minimum Wage. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that workers receive the compensation they are legally entitled to, returning around £4 million directly to affected staff members. With robust enforcement measures now in place, thousands of workers across the country are benefiting from increased protections that enable them to receive their rightful wages. The government's ongoing commitment to holding employers accountable has led to penalties totalling £7 million being imposed on those who have been found t...

Major Investment to Enhance NHS Facilities Across England In a significant move to bolster the NHS infrastructure, the government has allocated over £1.5 billion for urgent upgrades to hospital buildings and facilities. This funding aims to address critical issues within the NHS estate, ensuring that patients across England benefit from safer and more modern healthcare environments. Of this considerable sum, more than £200 million is earmarked for ten major hospital projects, while over £1.3 billion will be directed towards maintenance and safety improvements. This investment is crucial as the NHS faces increasing year-round pressures, transitioning from a focus solely on winter preparedness to adapting to challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. Addressing Infrastructure Challenges...

Addressing Uncertainty in Housing In a keynote address at the Housing Community Summit, Jonathan Walters outlined the increasing uncertainty facing the housing sector, emphasising the challenges that are likely to persist in the coming years. He noted, “We are in a world of greater uncertainty and cannot predict that it will get any easier in the next few years.” This uncertainty, he explained, is compounded by significant pressures within the system, making investment in existing homes a critical yet costly endeavour. Jonathan elaborated on the current financial landscape for landlords, revealing that over two-thirds now possess a viability grading of V2. However, he pointed out that issues vary geographically, particularly in major urban centres like London, where fire safety remediation...