Business Minister addresses Insolvency Live!

Our flagship stakeholder event, Insolvency Live!, took place on Tuesday 5 July and this year, we were pleased to welcome Business Minister, Lord Callanan.

This was a hybrid event, the first since before the pandemic with the option to meet in-person. Delegates had the choice to visit Broadway House in Westminster or join us online and both could take part in Q+A. After the past few difficult years, it was wonderful to see so many people in the room, as well as online.

Business Minister, Lord Callanan, has responsibility for insolvency on behalf of the government and spoke at the event. During his speech, the minister praised the insolvency profession for their valuable contribution to the economy and country, while also formally launching a call for evidence on the Personal Insolvency Review.

Other presentations given on the day included insolvency expert Dr John Tribe who took a look at the cost of living and its impact on the personal insolvency framework; our customer services and insight team shared how the agency is using insight to improve our customer experience; and the team behind the Director Education Project talked about their efforts to develop education and guidance materials for directors to help them better understand their duties and prevent avoidable insolvencies.

The day ended with a Q&A panel with senior leaders. If you would like to receive a copy of the slides or provide any feedback on the event, please email stakeholder@insolvency.gov.uk.

Insolvency Service transitions to regional hubs as part of efficiency drive

Over the next five years, the Insolvency Service is set to transition to regional centres, reducing the number of our offices while maintaining high standards of customer service and delivering better value for money.

Currently, the Insolvency Service operates from 22 different office locations across England, Wales and Scotland.

To enhance value for money for the taxpayer while maintaining excellent customer service, the Insolvency Service announced in May it would reduce its number of offices to 11 Regional Centres.

Existing offices in Cardiff and Edinburgh will be maintained. The move to regional centres will deliver savings of more than £20 million over the next 10 years.

Insolvency policy development: personal insolvency review and UNCITRAL model laws

July saw the Insolvency Service launch two important policy initiatives that will help inform the government’s thinking around supporting individuals in financial distress, as well as plans to implement two international model laws into UK law.

At Insolvency Live!, the Business Minister formally launched a call for evidence seeking stakeholders’ views on the personal insolvency framework. The last fundamental review of personal insolvency was carried out 40 years ago and the government is seeking evidence on the overall purpose of the framework, how it currently supports those in financial difficulty and how it is funded, and whether it serves the needs of debtors and creditors in the 21st century.

We are keen to hear from our stakeholders about their thoughts on the personal insolvency framework and the deadline to submit your response via Smart Survey or email PIR.CFE@insolvency.gov.uk is 24 October 2022.

The Insolvency Service is a member of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, a working group looking to further develop model laws in complex areas such as company and insolvency law that promote best practice and consistency.

The UK has already implemented into UK law, one model law on cross border insolvencies. The UN working group has produced two further internationally recognised model laws that promote the recognition of court judgements and to efficiently manage the insolvency of corporate group insolvencies. If and when the UK implements these new model laws, it will be amongst the first countries to do so and will signal the UK’s ongoing commitment to mutual cooperation and international best practice.

The consultation ends on 29 September 2022 and we are encouraging all responses to be sent by email for the attention of Andrew Shore via Policy.Unit@insolvency.gov.uk.

Forward Thinking conference – call for papers

Following the success of the inaugural Forward Thinking conference , the Insolvency Service is planning the next conference to be held on Friday 18 November 2022.

The theme for this year’s event is Forward Thinking: Insolvency Response in uncertain times and we are inviting colleagues, partners and anyone else with an interest in insolvency to submit their abstracts for an academic or technical paper for presenting at the conference.

The aim of the conference is to provide a platform for insolvency academic research and technical discussions, facilitate a stronger link between academia, the insolvency sector and policy makers, and encourage feedback from interested parties.

Deadline for submission of abstracts – maximum 500 words – is Wednesday 31 August and if you have any queries or would like to host the event, please contact conference@insolvency.gov.uk.

Insolvency Service publishes research reports

The Insolvency Service commissioned three separate pieces of research connected to realising the 5-year strategy under the theme of strengthening our system regulation and improve the insolvency framework.

All three reports were produced by external bodies and are available on GOV.UK:

Angela Crossley, Director of Strategy, Policy and Analysis, said:

While the reports did not announce government policy or legislative changes, they have been vital in helping the agency understand what has been working and where there might be areas for improvement in some of our key areas.

Do you want to become a Diversity and Inclusion Champion?

In June, the Insolvency Service and R3-led Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group announced a campaign to build a network of advocates to champion diversity and inclusion in the insolvency profession.

This will be a voluntary role where Diversity and Inclusion Champions will act as role models, working alongside the Steering Group to share best practice, boost awareness, and inspire and lead change that will make a difference to employers and their talented teams.

The Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group is still welcoming further applications. To find out more about what the role entails, please email Insolvency.Diversity@insolvency.gov.uk.

Deputy Official Receiver recognised for learning and development excellence

Kevan Glaysher, a Deputy Official Receiver based in our Manchester office, won a special achievement award at the Operational Delivery Profession Awards 2022 after he was nominated by colleagues for delivering excellent learning and development and improving the skills of others.

Following 25 years in the banking industry, Kevan joined the Insolvency Service in 2009 as a trainee examiner. As he progressed his career, Kevan went onto mentor new trainee examiners and to this day remains heavily involved in mentoring his colleagues in the Manchester Official Receiver office, while carrying out his duties as a Deputy Official Receiver.

Colleagues nominated Kevan because they wanted to celebrate his achievements in training and developing his colleagues.

Tackling financial wrongdoing: successful enforcement results

Over the last few months, the Insolvency Service has continued to tackle misconduct where there has been abuse of government bounce back loans. At the end of June, the agency saw its first successful criminal prosecution of a bounce bank loan fraudster after pizza takeaway boss, Abdulrazag Zagroba, was jailed for 2 years after he fraudulently claimed a £20,000 Bounce Back Loan.

More recently, the Insolvency Service successfully secured the first four disqualifications using new powers to tackle directors from dissolving companies and walking away without paying their debts. All four directors were disqualified after they secured bounce back loans before dissolving their companies to avoid paying their liabilities back.

Other cases of note include:

Latest from the insolvency blog

Another great way to find out what’s going on at the Insolvency Service is to subscribe to our blog feed where you get a different perspective of our colleagues’ work, as well as some insights about what they get-up to when they’re not in the office.

Professional Support Lawyer, Matt Pope, hosted a learning and development event in our Birmingham office and has provided an account following what leading insolvency expert, His Honour Judge Abbas Mithani QC, said about disqualifications from a judge’s point of view.

Other recent blogs

Collective Defined Contribution pension schemes, or CDCs for short, will offer an alternative to the UK’s two primary pension scheme models, Defined Contribution (DC) and Defined Benefit (DB).

CDCs have the potential to provide improved retirement returns for savers, with more predictable costs for employers. Both employers and employees contribute to a collective fund from which individual retirement incomes are drawn, with trustees responsible for oversight to ensure schemes are viable and can meet their legal requirements and commitments to members.

Minister for Pensions, Guy Opperman, said:

CDC schemes have the potential to transform the UK pensions landscape.

We have seen the positive effect of these schemes in other countries and it is abundantly clear that, when well designed and well run, they have the potential to provide a better retirement outcome for members, and can be resilient to market shocks.

I have no doubt that millions of pension savers will benefit from CDCs in the years to come.

The new schemes were made possible following the passage last year of the landmark Pension Schemes Act 2021.

Regulations currently provide for single or connected employer CDC schemes.

Some parties have already expressed an interest in expanding CDC models, including multi-employer CDC schemes, as well as the potential for CDC schemes which offer “decumulation only” – when pension savings are converted to retirement income.

Nigel Peaple, Director Policy & Advocacy, PLSA, said:

The PLSA supports innovation within the pensions sector where it improves people’s retirements. CDC blends some of the desirable elements of Defined Benefit (DB), such as clearer target outcomes for the saver, and of Defined Contribution (DC) schemes, such as predictable contributions for the employer and member. By pooling longevity risk and the ability to invest money over a longer period, CDC has the potential to provide new and better approaches for benefit provision.

There are, of course, challenges, including how to ensure savers understand the variability of benefits, and ensuring new models can deliver in practice once reserving and regulation is in place. Nevertheless, we are confident that this ambitious proposal will provide the incentive and momentum to overcome them.

The DWP plans to consult later this year on a package of prospective design principles and approaches to accommodate new types of CDC schemes. This will bring the potential benefits to more savers in the UK, while also capitalising on the enthusiasm shown for innovation in this area.

CDC authorisation and ongoing supervision will be administered by the Pensions Regulator who have produced detailed practical support for schemes through operational guidance and a Code of Practice.

Media enquiries for this press release:

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Applications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are open between 2 August and 1 November 2022, with applications to be submitted via chevening.org/apply

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to create positive change, and can show how a UK master’s degree will help them do that. The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

Since the programme was created in 1983, over 50,000 professionals have had the opportunity to develop in the UK through Chevening. There are more than 1,500 scholarships on offer globally for the 2023/2024 academic year, demonstrating the UK’s ongoing commitment towards developing the leaders of tomorrow.

Head of Scholarships at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Naomi Rayner, said

“As the world continues to tackle major global issues such as climate change, international cooperation is more essential than ever. Chevening seeks to build an international community of people who are committed to working together to drive positive change. We do this by bringing together incredible people from around the world and supporting them, through education, to achieve their goals.

“In the UK we are proud of our world class universities and we know that our learning environments are enriched by the wide diversity of cultures, experiences and viewpoints represented on our campuses. Chevening scholars make a significant contribution to these communities, as well as becoming an important part of our network of over 50,000 alumni.

“Chevening represents the very best of the UK, welcoming people from across the world to study, grow, and thrive. Being a part of the Chevening network instils a strong sense of pride and responsibility. I am consistently inspired by the passion and commitment of those in the Chevening community and I look forward to hearing from this year’s applicants.”

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson said

“If you are someone who is passionate about driving change on a local or global scale, if you want to be the best at what you do and have the imagination to inspire others, then a Chevening scholarship offering a year’s study at a UK university could be the perfect opportunity for you.

“Chevening can be transformational, not just for you as a scholar, but for Bangladesh as you return and use your UK experience to make a positive impact in your chosen field. Our 50,000 strong global alumni network is full of dynamic influencers who have shared the UK university experience. They offer encouragement, mentorship, advice, and contacts. When you return home after your studies you will be equipped to make a real difference professionally and socially.

“If you have what it takes to be a Chevening Scholar please apply before the 1 November deadline. We look forward to hearing from you.”

More information

Visit chevening.org/scholarships for detailed information on the eligibility criteria and scholarship specifications.

Notes to editors

Chevening Scholarships are the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), partner organisations, and partner universities. The scholarships support study at UK universities – mostly one year taught master’s degrees – for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers.

Chevening began in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international awards scheme. Chevening Scholars come from over 160 countries and territories worldwide, and over the past five years we have awarded almost 10,000 scholarships. There are over 50,000 Chevening Alumni around the world who comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.

The name ‘Chevening’ comes from Chevening House in Sevenoaks, Kent – currently the joint official residence of the UK’s Foreign Secretary.

More information is available at chevening.org

Further information

Email: Dhaka.Press@fco.gov.uk

Follow the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh on Twitter: @RCDicksonUK

Follow the British High Commission Dhaka on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin

People in towns and cities across the UK will benefit from over 100 new and improved green spaces on their doorstep through £9 million in government funding.

The Levelling Up Parks Fund will create new and improved parks in urban areas, helping communities to come together and enjoy the outdoors.

Launching the fund during Love Parks Week, the government hopes each new or improved green space will be an oasis for the local community, boosting creativity and positive mental health whilst also contributing to net zero ambitions.

In England, the cash will be given to councils to create or significantly revamp existing parks in 85 neighbourhoods most deprived of outdoor space. Areas set to benefit include Liverpool, Birmingham, Carlisle and 16 London boroughs.

The new parks will significantly increase access to quality green space for those who need it most, particularly supporting people without a garden to spend time with friends and family in the natural world.

From community gardens to formal greens and town parks – councils will be able to choose the nature and location of the new or improved parks in their local area, meaning that each green space will be as unique as the community it serves.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Greg Clark MP said:

Parks and green spaces are at the heart of our communities, providing sanctuary from the bustling streets of our towns and cities and spaces for people to relax and come together.

Over the past few years, the importance of spending time with loved ones and getting outdoors has become even more apparent, and this latest government funding will help people living in urban areas do just that.

I look forward to seeing the new parks come to life and making a real difference to people’s daily lives for years to come.

In a further boost to make the UK a greener place to live, £2 million of the total investment will support tree planting on the park sites, helping to combat CO2 emissions and make the air cleaner for people and wildlife. It also supports the government’s commitment to treble tree planting rates over the course of this Parliament.

Instead of a competitive bidding process, the fund allocates grants to places that the government has identified as most in need of quality green space, supported by data from Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework mapping.

The UK government has allocated over £1 million from the fund to the devolved administrations and we continue to work closely with them to consider how we can best use the funding to support green spaces in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Forestry Minister, Lord Zac Goldsmith said:

This funding will ensure that people from all backgrounds have access to nature by supporting tree planting within public green spaces in our urban communities – where tree cover is often the lowest.

It will help us meet our tree planting ambitions – as well as making our towns and cities healthier, better insulated to a changing climate, and generally more pleasant places to be.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England said:

Big or small, green areas help us to connect with nature and support the health of our communities. Our research showed that 4 in 10 people said visiting green and natural spaces had been even more important to their wellbeing since the pandemic began.

This investment will create new habitats for our precious wildlife and build beautiful places for everyone to enjoy, with our data and expertise supporting the development of green spaces in areas where communities say they are needed the most.

Levelling Up Parks Fund prospectus for eligible councils.

In England, data from Natural England is used to determine the eligible areas. The eligibility criteria consider the Indices of Multiple Deprivation and low proximity to green spaces.

As part of the Levelling Up Parks Fund, £2 million of ‘tree uplift’ funding will be provided from the government’s landmark Nature for Climate Fund, announced as part of the 2020 Budget. This will cover the cost of preparation, purchase, planting, or ongoing maintenance of trees in any of the urban green spaces within scope of Levelling Up Parks Fund projects, reflecting the important role that trees play in urban communities. They provide shade, improve air quality, enhance biodiversity and boost health and wellbeing.

The Levelling Up Parks Fund is one of a number of projects, including the Urban Tree Challenge Fund, supported through the Nature for Climate Fund that aim to increase the number of trees in our towns and cities.

The 85 areas in England to receive funding are: