News story: Civil news: speeding up dual-stage emergency applications

Clarification is available on the Client and Cost Management System (CCMS) website about dual-stage emergency applications following collaborative working with providers.

This is in the form of an in-depth article called ‘nullification and dual-stage emergency applications’.

It is based on ideas put forward at some of our regular meetings of the Process Efficiency Team (PET).

This is an initiative that brings us together with practitioner groups and allows us to swap ideas and develop solutions to civil processing issues.

Why are you doing this now?

We want to:

• clarify the evidence requirements

• help providers avoid the risk of nullification

• explain what to do if you think a certificate has been nullified incorrectly

Processing improvements

Meanwhile, we are working with providers on making improvements to the dual-stage emergency application process. When these are introduced we will make an announcement on GOV.UK.

Single and dual-stage applications

Emergency applications are made when there is no time to make a full application. The initial emergency application is then amended to substantive at a later date.

Where possible a single-stage emergency application should be submitted.

The dual stage application process gives you a period where further emergency amendments can be made once the initial emergency certificate has been granted.

Further information

CCMS news: nullification and dual-stage emergency applications

CCMS quick guides: initial applications – to download ‘emergencies and delegated functions’

Civil Legal Aid (Procedure) Regulations 2012 Section 52

BIT@justice.gov.uk – contact the Business Improvement Team with enquiries



Press release: Readout of PM and Chancellor’s meeting with business leaders: 31 October 2018

Today the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer addressed around 150 Chairs and Chief Executives of UK businesses and business group leaders about this week’s Budget and progress in the Brexit negotiations.

The Prime Minister opened the event by saying that, thanks to the hard work and sacrifices made by the British people since the financial crisis, the public finances are in much better health. She explained that the government will continue to take a balanced approach. This has enabled the government to make important spending decisions in this Budget to invest in public services, boost living standards, and support business as we build a new economy for a post-Brexit Britain.

She set out that the government would work to build a Britain that would be unequivocally pro-business through enhancing competitiveness, helping businesses plan for the future, and using the modern Industrial Strategy to create the right environment for businesses to thrive. She noted the importance of working closely with business to achieve this and ensure that the UK continues to lead the world in terms of innovation.

The Prime Minister then provided an update on progress in the Brexit negotiations, before the Chancellor addressed the group about the broader state of the economy and his approach to this week’s Budget.

The Chancellor spoke about the resilience of the British economy, noting the growth in the number of jobs in the economy. He spoke about the productivity challenge and acknowledged that the government had a role to help rectify this, including through driving the R&D agenda and ensuring that benefits were spread out across the whole of the UK.

The businesses present welcomed the opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor and feedback directly on the Budget. Business leaders asked specific questions on the Budget such as the Digital Services Tax and the apprenticeship levy, and broader questions on the Brexit negotiations and preparedness.



Press release: Readout of PM and Chancellor’s meeting with business leaders: 31 October 2018

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

Today the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer addressed around 150 Chairs and Chief Executives of UK businesses and business group leaders about this week’s Budget and progress in the Brexit negotiations.

The Prime Minister opened the event by saying that, thanks to the hard work and sacrifices made by the British people since the financial crisis, the public finances are in much better health. She explained that the government will continue to take a balanced approach. This has enabled the government to make important spending decisions in this Budget to invest in public services, boost living standards, and support business as we build a new economy for a post-Brexit Britain.

She set out that the government would work to build a Britain that would be unequivocally pro-business through enhancing competitiveness, helping businesses plan for the future, and using the modern Industrial Strategy to create the right environment for businesses to thrive. She noted the importance of working closely with business to achieve this and ensure that the UK continues to lead the world in terms of innovation.

The Prime Minister then provided an update on progress in the Brexit negotiations, before the Chancellor addressed the group about the broader state of the economy and his approach to this week’s Budget.

The Chancellor spoke about the resilience of the British economy, noting the growth in the number of jobs in the economy. He spoke about the productivity challenge and acknowledged that the government had a role to help rectify this, including through driving the R&D agenda and ensuring that benefits were spread out across the whole of the UK.

The businesses present welcomed the opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor and feedback directly on the Budget. Business leaders asked specific questions on the Budget such as the Digital Services Tax and the apprenticeship levy, and broader questions on the Brexit negotiations and preparedness.



News story: Appointment to the Met Office Board

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark has appointed Hunada Nouss as a new non-executive director to the [Met Office[(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/met-office) Board. Hunada Nouss attended her first meeting on 1 October 2018 and replaces Dame Mary Keegan, who stood down at the end of her term in August 2018. Hunada Nouss will also chair the Board’s Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

Led by an independent, non-executive Chair, the Met Office Board’s role is to support and challenge the Executive team and carefully scrutinise its proposals and the organisation’s performance in relation to setting and implementing the Met Office Corporate Plan and strategy. Board members are appointed by government following an open recruitment process.

Hunada Nouss is currently Council member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at City, University of London and Board member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for the Education and Skills Funding Agency. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

The Met Office is the UK’s National Meteorological Service, providing weather and climate-related services to government departments, the public, broadcasters, Armed Forces, civil aviation, shipping, industry, agriculture and commerce. It is also responsible for the UK’s National Severe Weather Warning Service.

The Met Office is an Executive Agency, and Trading Fund, of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.



Press release: International trade budget boost for global Britain

The UK’s global economic role is prioritised in the Budget as the Chancellor set out an additional £2 billion of credit for buyers of British products and services. Other measures include more support made available for investors and UK exporters in Europe whilst nationals from 5 of our strongest trading partners will now be able to use eGates at the UK border.

A new UK mission to the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will also open, the Foreign Secretary will announce later today (Wednesday 31 October). ASEAN is the world’s fifth largest trading bloc, and an important economic partner for the UK.

Ambassadors will work closely with the 9 HM Trade Commissioners, appointed by the International Trade Secretary, who lead on all trade promotion and policy overseas.

In the Budget, the Chancellor announced:

  • An additional £2 billion for UK Export Finance (UKEF’s) direct lending for overseas buyers of British goods and services, helping exporters succeed in the global marketplace.

  • £5 million will be made available to the Department for International Trade (DIT) as it grows its European network to attract investment and help UK exporters land new deals on the continent.

  • Nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the United States will be able to use eGates at the UK border – ensuring business and leisure visitors from these countries have a fast and efficient arrival in the UK.

  • HMRC will halve the time it takes companies to become Trusted Customs Traders from 120 to 60 days, delivering the UK’s ambition to be a world leader in global customs administration.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said:

From small businesses taking the first step on their exporting journey to international investors, this global Britain budget will help cement the UK’s position as one of the world’s best destinations to trade.

The extra £2 billion for UK Export Finance will ensure it continues to be a game-changer for UK exporters and the additional support for my international economic department allows us to help businesses take full advantage of the limitless global trading opportunities.

Whether it’s attracting investment or supporting exports, this Budget will drive the UK’s growth and prosperity for years to come.

Background Info

Supporting UK Exports

  • The bulk of funding will see UKEF’s existing £3 billion capacity for direct lending increase by £1 billion for each financial year 2020/21 and 2021/22, helping UK businesses grow their trading relationships with markets around the world.

  • The announcement follows the publication of the government’s Export Strategy earlier this summer and underlines the government’s commitment to helping UK exporters take full advantage of international demand for our world-class goods and services.

Enhancing DIT’s overseas network in Europe

  • DIT provides support for exporters and investors in over 100 markets worldwide.

  • £5 million will ensure the department is equipped to help in European markets, aiding exporters’ understandings of the practicalities of doing business around the world.

UK Mission to ASEAN

  • In a speech on Wednesday 31 October, the Foreign Secretary will announce the biggest expansion of Britain’s diplomatic network for a generation, confirming 12 new Posts and nearly 1,000 more personnel. This will include a new Mission to the HQ of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta.

  • Ambassadors will also work closely with the 9 HM Trade Commissioners, appointed by the International Trade Secretary, who lead on all trade promotion and policy overseas.

Attract Inward Investment

  • The UK has many strengths that attract investors: an open, liberal economy, world-class talent and business-friendly environment. This has helped win more foreign direct investment than Germany, Italy and Japan combined.

Streamlining the UK border

  • Allowing citizens of US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan to use e-passport gates will significantly reduce queuing at major airports.

  • Reducing the time, it takes to become an Authorised Economic Operator or other types of Customs Trusted Traders, will make trade across borders, quicker, cheaper and easier for a wider range of businesses.