Gregory Stafford

Digitalisation has posed challenges to the financial sustainability of local media. At least 293 local newspapers have closed since 2005, equivalent to around a third of the sector. The number of journalists employed by the three largest local news publishers fell from circa 9000 to circa 3000 between 2007 to 2022. Evidence suggests that this is having repercussions for the spread of misinformation, increased community tensions, reduced civic engagement, lower economic growth, and a lack of accountability and scrutiny of local government.

In response to these challenges, the Government has launched the Local Media Action Plan, which sets out our planned approach to tackling these challenges in collaboration with industry and others. The Action Plan aims to empower communities with local journalism that reflects the issues that matter to them, helping to drive community wellbeing, cohesion, and local growth. It includes: investing up to £12m in a new Local News Fund, which will help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated; more than doubling community radio funding to £1m a year; ensuring better transparency of local decision-making by reviewing the rules on publishing statutory notices; and creating a new Regional Media Forum in the West of England, to develop a framework for best practice in scrutiny of local decision-making and public services.

In April, we launched a new journalism careers campaign in the North West, Inspiring the Future, to inspire young people to pursue careers in journalism and local media. It also seeks to build news literacy and help young people navigate the online information ecosystem. Inspiring the Future forms part of the wider DCMS-funded Discover Creative Careers programme, which will provide young people across the country with clear, coherent and inclusive pathways into the creative industries. More broadly, the Creative Industries Sector Plan sets out how we are partnering with industry to support skills development and build a resilient, skilled workforce fit for the future. We will soon publish a Jobs Plan which builds on this to outline how Government and business are working together to support the creative workforce over the next three years.

The department has adopted a new approach to place targeting across DCMS programmes that aim to improve social and community outcomes. Evidence points clearly to economic and social outcomes being systematically worse in places where both deprivation and community need is highest; places experiencing ‘double disadvantage.’ The department has implemented a focus on targeting these ‘double disadvantage’ places – to ensure that our funding is concentrated in the communities where we can make the biggest difference. This approach does not limit investment to Northern Regions, but focuses DCMS investment designed to build community cohesion and enhance opportunity in those places that need it most, including places in the South and Midlands. This approach to place targeting will benefit the UK as a whole, generating broad based economic growth across England to create a more balanced national economy, supporting stability and growth in London and across the rest of the UK.

DCMS applies this approach to relevant programmes aimed at improving social, community and wellbeing outcomes across all of our sectors – covering arts, culture and heritage, sport, civil society and youth. This approach will not be applied to programmes aimed primarily at driving economic growth or programmes that clearly have a distinct objective.

For media and journalism, as part of the Local Media Action Plan to support local journalism across the country, the department has launched a Local News Fund, to help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated. While final decisions on awards will take into consideration diversity in award allocation, including geographical distribution, those decisions are ultimately being guided by a Steering Board of external industry experts, to ensure a degree of independence in government decisions about funding of the media.

For the creative industries, London is identified as a priority place in the Creative Industries Sector Plan. Place-based policies in the creative industries aim to address regional market failures and support our high-growth potential creative clusters.

The department has adopted a new approach to place targeting across DCMS programmes that aim to improve social and community outcomes. Evidence points clearly to economic and social outcomes being systematically worse in places where both deprivation and community need is highest; places experiencing ‘double disadvantage.’ The department has implemented a focus on targeting these ‘double disadvantage’ places – to ensure that our funding is concentrated in the communities where we can make the biggest difference. This approach does not limit investment to Northern Regions, but focuses DCMS investment designed to build community cohesion and enhance opportunity in those places that need it most, including places in the South and Midlands. This approach to place targeting will benefit the UK as a whole, generating broad based economic growth across England to create a more balanced national economy, supporting stability and growth in London and across the rest of the UK.

DCMS applies this approach to relevant programmes aimed at improving social, community and wellbeing outcomes across all of our sectors – covering arts, culture and heritage, sport, civil society and youth. This approach will not be applied to programmes aimed primarily at driving economic growth or programmes that clearly have a distinct objective.

For media and journalism, as part of the Local Media Action Plan to support local journalism across the country, the department has launched a Local News Fund, to help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated. While final decisions on awards will take into consideration diversity in award allocation, including geographical distribution, those decisions are ultimately being guided by a Steering Board of external industry experts, to ensure a degree of independence in government decisions about funding of the media.

For the creative industries, London is identified as a priority place in the Creative Industries Sector Plan. Place-based policies in the creative industries aim to address regional market failures and support our high-growth potential creative clusters.

The department has adopted a new approach to place targeting across DCMS programmes that aim to improve social and community outcomes. Evidence points clearly to economic and social outcomes being systematically worse in places where both deprivation and community need is highest; places experiencing ‘double disadvantage.’ The department has implemented a focus on targeting these ‘double disadvantage’ places – to ensure that our funding is concentrated in the communities where we can make the biggest difference. This approach does not limit investment to Northern Regions, but focuses DCMS investment designed to build community cohesion and enhance opportunity in those places that need it most, including places in the South and Midlands. This approach to place targeting will benefit the UK as a whole, generating broad based economic growth across England to create a more balanced national economy, supporting stability and growth in London and across the rest of the UK.

DCMS applies this approach to relevant programmes aimed at improving social, community and wellbeing outcomes across all of our sectors – covering arts, culture and heritage, sport, civil society and youth. This approach will not be applied to programmes aimed primarily at driving economic growth or programmes that clearly have a distinct objective.

For media and journalism, as part of the Local Media Action Plan to support local journalism across the country, the department has launched a Local News Fund, to help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated. While final decisions on awards will take into consideration diversity in award allocation, including geographical distribution, those decisions are ultimately being guided by a Steering Board of external industry experts, to ensure a degree of independence in government decisions about funding of the media.

For the creative industries, London is identified as a priority place in the Creative Industries Sector Plan. Place-based policies in the creative industries aim to address regional market failures and support our high-growth potential creative clusters.

The Commission publishes annual data from police services on allegations of electoral fraud. It is aware of the allegations raised at the Gorton and Denton by-election, and has been in contact with the Returning Officer and Greater Manchester Police to review the concerns raised.

The Commission takes allegations of electoral fraud very seriously. It is a criminal offence to attempt to pressure someone to vote in a certain way. Anyone who believes such an offence has occurred should report it to the police. The Commission will continue to provide information for voters about their rights, and guidance for polling station staff that supports them to protect the secrecy of voting in polling stations.

Our records indicate that the following number of fiats were granted in each of the last five years:
2021 – 4
2022 – 4
2023 – 11
2024 – 6
2025 – 14 to date.

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

Bankruptcy is generally considered a last resort due to its serious financial and legal consequences, but can also provide a route out of problem debt for vulnerable debtors. Creditors presenting a bankruptcy petition to the courts must meet strict requirements, including a hearing before a judge who will assess the fairness of making the order.

Persons At Risk of Violence orders provide a way to protect abuse survivors where disclosing an individual’s address could lead to violence.

A review of the Personal Insolvency regime is underway, with a forthcoming consultation to gather stakeholder views.

Insolvency proceedings are a regulated process designed to protect both debtors and creditors.

An individual can only be declared bankrupt by a court order following the presentation of a bankruptcy petition. The process is overseen by the court through the appointment of an Official Receiver or an Insolvency Practitioner (IP) acting as trustee.

Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) are supervised by licensed IPs, while applications for Debt Relief Orders (DROs) can only be submitted through an authorised debt adviser.

A review of the Insolvency Rules is currently underway, and we will be gathering stakeholder views across a range of areas.

The Takeover Code, which has a statutory basis under the Companies Act 2006, sets out a clear and orderly framework for takeovers, including measures to ensure fairness to all shareholders. The Code is issued and administered by the independent Panel on Takeovers and Mergers. The Panel has enforcement powers for breaches of the Code. Changes to the Code itself would be a matter for the Panel.

The Government’s priority remains the swift implementation of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal to enable UK businesses to export steel and aluminium to the United States without incurring Section 232 tariffs. We are engaged in active and constructive discussions with our US counterparts to this end.

The Government has also taken major action on areas crucial for the sector, including slashing electricity costs, changing procurement rules to ensure UK-made-steel is considered for all public projects and opening a Call for Evidence on future trade measures. More detailed information on support for the sector can be found in a press release published on 03 July.

Steel is a top priority for this government. The UK applies 10 anti-dumping measures and two anti-subsidy measures on steel imports from China, and a safeguard measure on global imports for 14 steel categories. This measure was adjusted on 30 June to provide more effective protection for domestic producers.

On 26 June the government published its Trade Strategy, announcing we will sharpen our trade defence toolkit to better protect critical sectors, such as steel, from harm. Alongside this we launched the Steel Trade Measures Call for Evidence to prepare us for the expiry of the steel safeguard in June 2026.

The Government’s £15 billion Warm Homes Plan represents the biggest public investment in home upgrades in British history and includes support for solar panels, as well as batteries, insulation, and other low-carbon technologies.

Solar panels have the potential to reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions, supporting the Government’s objectives to tackle fuel poverty, deliver clean power, and improve energy security.

The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund provides grant funding to local authorities and social housing landlords to upgrade social homes across England up to EPC Band C. This will support the installation of energy efficiency measures in social homes, including solar panels and batteries.

Throughout the delivery process, successful Grant Recipients must demonstrate that their proposed measures are appropriate for the homes being treated and represent good value for money.

Local authorities can support solar panel installations through several government schemes.

The Warm Homes: Local Grant is delivered through local authorities to low-income households in their areas, while local authorities that are social landlords can access the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund for eligible social homes. An additional £100 million for that Fund will support delivery of up to 57,000 solar installations across Wave 3. A total of £4.4 billion has been made available for grant schemes for low-income households up to 2030.

Great British Energy (GBE) supports public sector decarbonisation, and the GBE Solar programme is investing £255 million to fund around 250 schools, around 260 NHS sites, and around 15 military sites to install solar panels across the country.

Great British Energy has launched the biggest public investment into community energy in UK history, £30m of backing as a first downpayment on up to £1bn, to help local places cut bills, grow wealth and act on climate.

Mayoral Strategic Authorities can also support renewable energy projects through Great British Energy’s £10 million Mayoral Renewables Fund, while eligible authorities receive devolved funding for home retrofit and public sector buildings through Integrated Settlements. Over 150 renewable projects have now switched-on for public buildings in England’s Mayoral Combined Authorities, with more to follow – which together could see up to £50 million in total energy bill savings reinvested in local services

No assessment has been made.

No assessment has been made.