HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has automatically registered 95,000 businesses for its simplified import procedures allowing most traders up to 6 months to pay import duties and submit customs declarations, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019.

The scheme, known as Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP), will make importing after Brexit on 31 October much simpler, particularly for businesses that would be completing customs processes for the first time. Up to now, businesses have had to apply for it – over 30,000 had previously registered.

This TSP scheme will allow most businesses up to 6 months to send in customs declarations and pay any customs duties to HMRC after importing goods from the EU. This will prevent congestion at the border when goods enter the UK.

The government has chosen to automatically enrol VAT-registered businesses that import from the EU into the TSP scheme as it is the best option for businesses that are new to customs processes and haven’t yet appointed a customs agent. Businesses that are not registered for VAT should apply for the scheme if it would benefit them.

HMRC Interim CEO Jim Harra said:

We are doing everything we can to help businesses get ready for Brexit on 31 October.

This move will support the trade of thousands of businesses and is part of our longstanding policy of making sure we continue to keep trade flowing.

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

At a time of change, the top priorities at the border have to be keeping trade flowing and minimising the potential for disruption.

Automatically registering companies for TSP at the border means one less immediate demand on traders’ limited time and resources in the unwanted event of a ‘no-deal’ exit.

In particular, it would help the thousands of UK firms who import from the EU but have little experience of dealing with customs processes. We are pleased that ministers have again listened to BCC’s calls to reduce the number of administrative hoops businesses will need to jump through as they navigate major changes to the way they trade across borders.

Businesses registered for TSP today are UK-based traders that HMRC has a record of having imported goods from the EU in 2018.

HMRC has sent letters to these traders with further details of their TSP registration, and they only have to take a few simple extra steps – such as checking if their goods attract tariffs, and getting a Duty Deferment Account if they do – to make sure that they are ready for 31 October.

Importers do not have to use TSP: they still also have the option to use full import processes instead. However, HMRC strongly advises traders new to dealing with customs to take advantage of the benefits of TSP.

The UK remains committed to ensuring the country’s borders remain secure, and simplified customs measures will not change that. Border Force will continue to carry out intelligence-led checks.

Further information on TSP

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, TSP arrangements become active from the leaving date.

In the letter businesses being registered receive, they will need to:

• check what tariffs will apply to their goods after Brexit and whether they need to pay customs duties on their goods – under the temporary tariff, 88% of total imports to the UK by value would be eligible for tariff-free access
• if they do have duties to pay, they must apply for a Duty Deferment Account before importing goods – this allows them to pay the duties they owe monthly by direct debit rather than as soon as the goods enter the UK
• keep customs records of all the goods they import from the date the UK leaves the EU and get ready to make monthly declarations to HMRC

Traders can choose to delay making declarations until 6 May 2020, giving them more time to get used to new processes. If they choose to delay making declarations until 6 May 2020, payment for the duties they owe will be taken by direct debit on 15 May 2020. Traders should prepare to account for the import VAT on imports on their normal VAT return.

If a trader doesn’t receive a letter but thinks they should get TSP, they can apply on GOV.UK.

Non-VAT registered traders who import goods from the EU are also encouraged to register for TSP. HMRC is developing a new online service which will let them report and pay import VAT on a quarterly import VAT return if they choose to delay making declarations until 6 May 2020. This service will be available to sign up for after Brexit.

See more information on TSP and the records you need to keep.

A copy of the letter to businesses has been published on GOV.UK today (15 October 2019).

HMRC action to prepare traders

This announcement comes after HMRC auto-enrolled 88,000 VAT-registered traders with UK EORI numbers in August. Having a UK EORI is the vital first step for businesses to take if they wish to continue trading with the EU as normal after 31 October.

Earlier this month HMRC also invested a further £10 million in grants to boost the staff capability of customs agents after Brexit. This grant is available to businesses currently completing customs declarations on behalf of other importers and exporters. The investment followed previous funding of £16m in September as well as £5 million provided in December 2018 available to UK traders.

HMRC has sent over 1.3 million letters and emails to traders, published a wide range of guidance, step-by-step guides, videos, webinars and held events to help businesses and agents prepare for a no deal scenario.

Businesses can register for our free email update service – select ‘business help and education emails’, then select ‘Brexit’.

Businesses can also use the GOV.UK readiness checker to ensure that they have made the necessary preparations for 31 October, or call the new Brexit import and export helpline on 0300 3301 331 for advice.

A new £2 million fund is being launched to help organisations at the frontline of tackling loneliness across the country, Minister for Civil Society Baroness Barran announced today. 

The funding aims to support frontline, grassroots organisations that bring people together and help them build social connections. These could include community cafés, street parties, coffee mornings or local walking groups. 

The investment will help small organisations promote themselves more widely, help fund the use of suitable venues and accessible transport, and bring established groups together to best serve local people at risk of loneliness.

The funding marks one year since the publication of the Government’s landmark Loneliness Strategy which outlined almost 60 commitments to end loneliness.

This included funding 126 projects through its £11.5 million Building Connections Fund – the first Government fund ever dedicated to reducing loneliness, jointly funded with the Co-op Foundation and National Lottery Community Fund. 

Baroness Barran, Minister for Loneliness, said: 

Loneliness is one of the biggest public health challenges our country faces and we are committed to tackling it head on. This new fund is a fitting way to mark one year since the launch of our landmark strategy and will help grassroots organisations address the issue in their own communities. 

I have had the privilege of meeting so many people, young and old, who are unsung heroes and heroines in their communities, bringing people together through cafés, reading groups, arts and crafts, gardening, sports and more. They have told me how they want a chance to celebrate their work, together with other local groups, so they can raise awareness and encourage more people to be involved. 

This new investment shows how much we value their work and our continued commitment to beating loneliness.

The commitments in the Loneliness Strategy also included: 

• Social prescribing: supporting all local health and care systems to implement social prescribing schemes that can refer patients to support programmes to inspire social connections across the country by 2023;
• Building a network of employers to take action on loneliness: more than 30 local and national organisations have signed up to an Employer Pledge to provide help and support to lonely people; 
• Working in partnership with Royal Mail to trial ‘Safe and Connected’: An innovative pilot was launched to enable postal workers in Whitby, Liverpool and New Malden in Kingston-upon-Thames to help lonely older people on their usual delivery rounds. 

Over the past year, the Government has also:

• Launched the #LetsTalkLoneliness campaign, which aims to raise awareness of loneliness, recognise the signs and tackle the stigma surrounding it. The campaign was developed through a partnership between Government, business and charities, including the Co-op Foundation, the British Red Cross, the Campaign to End Loneliness, Mind, Public Health England, the Jo Cox Foundation and the Marmalade Trust; 
• Launched the £1.6 million Space to Connect fund in partnership with the Co-op Foundation, to unlock community spaces where people can come together such as  community cafés, art spaces, or extending opening hours of community buildings; and 
• Invested £1 million in the Nesta Tech to Connect Challenge Prize, to encourage the design of solutions to tackle social isolation and promote community cohesion.    The announcement comes ahead of the Minister visiting ‘Body and Soul’, an expansion project based in Hackney, which is using a grant from the Building Connections Fund to deliver a dialectical therapy skills group, trauma yoga sessions and weekly creative spaces – reducing social isolation in the process. 

Since her appointment, the Minister has travelled across the country to chair a number of events with representatives from charities, sports and youth clubs, social enterprises, responsible businesses and local groups to build on the positive work of the Civil Society Strategy and Loneliness Strategy. This has been with a particular emphasis on building stronger connections between people and helping to develop their sense of belonging. 

These relationships will help to inform the Government’s future work, including its first loneliness annual report, highlighting achievements and next steps, which will be published at the end of 2019. 

ENDS

Notes to Editor: 

Further details on the funding application process, including eligibility and when it will open, will follow in due course. 

Ten top tips for if you’re feeling lonely

1. Remember you are not alone – lots of people of all ages and backgrounds feel lonely. Millions of people in the UK say they are often or always lonely.
2. Think about what is making you feel lonely – Anyone can experience loneliness at some point in their life, but the reasons why will vary from person to person. Taking time to think about what’s causing you to feel lonely may help with finding what could help you feel differently.
3. Be proactive. Look at what resources are out there – If you’re going to the doctors or your local library have a look for leaflets about any local events, exercise classes, book clubs, coffee mornings, playgroups etc. that may help you connect with your community. Alternatively you can also refer yourself to LetsTalkLoneliness.co.uk
4. Take up a new hobby that can be done in pairs or groups like learning a language? If you don’t like it you can always change your mind and do something else.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Try opening up to someone who you feel comfortable talking to, whether that’s a member of your family, a friend, your carer or even GP.
6. Accept help when it’s presented to you – It might be a friend or a neighbour just offering for you to go round for a brew. Don’t think that you’re a nuisance or they’re not offering because they want to see you. Try not to worry about how you’re being perceived.
7. Access free services – There is lots of support out there which could help you address some of the causes of your loneliness. See below for more information on organisations that can help. – same as above
8. Volunteer – Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people and make new connections. You could help out at a local charity shop, or use your skills to support others.
9. Surround yourself with activity. If you’re feeling alone, why not pop out to a coffee shop or somewhere where there’s some activity going on. You may meet someone else in a similar situation to you and it might spark a conversation. Try to smile at people; having someone smile back could change your day.
10. Join groups online. If you can’t leave the house try joining an online community who share similar interests to you. You can also try inviting people into your home if you find it difficult to go out.

Top tips for identifying loneliness

1. Loneliness is a subjective feeling experienced by people of all ages and all backgrounds. Identifying people who are lonely or at risk of loneliness therefore might seem tricky. Here are some simple tips that could help:
2. Remember that loneliness is often triggered by key life transitions, such as loss of mobility, taking on caring duties, bereavement, developing a health condition, leaving school, separation, retirement, becoming a parent, unemployment, moving to a new area and so on.
3. Loneliness can also be triggered by money problems, stress, being bullied or treated with less respect.
4. Ask whether people feel they can talk to others, whether they are satisfied with their relationships, how often they leave the house, how often they feel left out, as though they lack companionship and whether they feel isolated from others.
5. Don’t ever assume someone isn’t lonely. Just because they have an active social life doesn’t mean they’re not experiencing loneliness. Anyone can be lonely but everyone can help. Ask questions; they might not show the obvious signs. 

*Courtesy of the British Red Cross

Children leaving secondary school to be home-educated often have complex needs and some make the move as a last resort rather than a preferred choice, new research by Ofsted has revealed.

Ofsted’s report, published today, says that special educational needs, medical, behavioural or other well-being needs were the main reasons behind such a move for parents and their children.

Parents, local authorities and schools told Ofsted that, often, there was little or no communication about the decision between parties before the child moved, and alternative options or consideration of what was the best outcome for the child were not always discussed.

Ofsted also found that, in some cases, the process of making the move can take less than a day.

Participants reported that children are often moved to home education to resolve pressures at school. For example, parents may remove their child from school to avoid exclusion or prosecution for non-attendance. Some parents also reported that schools had applied indirect pressure to convince them to move their child to home education.

In the absence of a national framework for support, schools and local authorities have different approaches to providing support to parents.

Some schools reported that they were unsure of their responsibilities once a child moved to home education. This led to a breakdown in information-sharing with the parent that could have helped with their child’s ongoing education.

Parents said that they would have benefited from information and guidance on the financial cost of home education. In addition, parents would have liked to have been told more about where their child could sit external exams.

Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, said:

Home education is a legitimate parental choice and can be a positive decision when parents are well equipped to provide a good education.

However, children should not be moved to home education simply to resolve difficulties in school. Schools, local authorities and parents need to work together before such a decision is made, to ensure that home education is genuinely in the interests of children and not just the best thing for schools or parents. It’s vital that parents are fully informed about the alternatives, and that they understand all the implications and costs of home-educating their child.

Ofsted’s report makes several recommendations for government, schools and local authorities, aimed at supporting the interests of children who may be moving from secondary school to home education, including:

• the DfE should consider the extent to which current legislation and guidance considers children’s views during decisions to home-educate
• schools and local authorities should develop clear processes for working together once they know a parent’s intention to home-educate
• local authorities and schools should be aware that when a school writes a letter to remove a child to home education on behalf of a parent, this may be evidence of off-rolling
• after a move to home education is made, it would be good practice for schools to provide parents with children’s previous classwork

For its part, Ofsted will evaluate carefully the reasons for pupils leaving when pupil movement at a school is unusually high. When Ofsted finds evidence of off-rolling, it will continue to report this clearly and is likely to judge the school’s leadership and management to be inadequate. Where appropriate, and where pupil movement into home education is very high, inspectors will take the views of parents who have moved their children into home education into account in their inspection evidence.

The alliance is based on the mutual aim of supporting outstanding individuals to build their dream careers and contribute to the development of Honduras.

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme that aims to developing global leaders through awarding scholarships to outstanding emerging leaders, in order for them to pursue a one-year Master’s degree at any UK university.

With the support of the Honduran Government, Chevening would be able to grant at least three additional scholarships for Hondurans wanting to study in the UK, allowing participants to cover associated costs to their studies.

This is the first time Scholarships 20/20 collaborates with such organization in the UK. The scheme is due to start this year and candidates should apply through the Chevening system.

The partnership will support scholars who pursue master’s degrees in the following areas applicable under the Chevening scheme:

• tourism, textile & apparel,
• light manufacturing, agribusiness,
• business process outsourcing -information technology outsourcing,
• housing,
• health specializations

Speaking about the Chevening – Scholarships 20/20 partnership, The Presidential Delegate, Mr. Erasmo Portillo said:

We are transforming our country by spurring higher education and generating opportunities for Hondurans to access scholarships and get a specialization abroad. Our partnership with Chevening is based on the mutual aim of supporting outstanding individuals on their journey to greatness. I encourage all suitable candidates to apply for this amazing opportunity through the Chevening website.

Applications for the Chevening Scholarship scheme are currently open for the 2020/2021 cycle and will close on 5 November at 12:00 GMT. For further information and to apply for this partnership, please visit the Chevening website.

The Honduran Presidential Programme of Scholarships, Honduras 20/20, currently has 882 scholars studying their Master’s at many of the top universities in the world.

I’m delighted to be here today to take part in this panel discussion to mark Mental Health Day.

Today is a day for us all to pause and reflect on the importance of mental health for us as individuals, for our families and for our places of work.

One out of every four of us here sitting here today will have a mental health episode during their lifetime.

We also reflect soberly on this year’s theme of Suicide Prevention.

The World Health organisation tells us that despite progress, globally one person dies every 40 seconds from suicide. And suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds.

Whilst the headline figures are compelling, we need more data on what this means in Ghana to understand why it is happening to young girls and young boys.

But one thing is clear. Mental health cannot be ignored. It is a global issue to be addressed in all of our societies.

In Ghana, as in the UK and in many parts of the world, people with mental health conditions have been left behind and excluded.

More needs to be done. In the UK we have been keen to put Mental Health on the global agenda and last year hosted the first ever Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit in London.

In Ghana, he UK has been a proud supporter of mental health for more than ten years. Over this time, we have seen considerable changes: • All districts in Ghana now provide mental health services compared to 32 districts just six years ago.
• We have helped train more than 5,000 health workers on how to treat mental health conditions, with over 100,000 people receiving treatment for mental health conditions in 2018. • Community self-help groups in the northern regions and here in Accra supported by UK Aid have reached over 32,000 people.

We congratulate the Government of Ghana in its foresight in making Mental Health a priority. Backing this commitment with sufficient resourcing and appropriate legislation will be the key to affecting real change. The UK Government, through DFID, is supporting Ghana in achieving the necessary paradigm shift to ensure mental health care is delivered as an essential component of Universal Health Coverage.

This will mean focusing more concretely on improving access to services – making sure that these are integrated into general health services and are closer to communities; and free at the point of use to those that need them.
In this way, we hope that every Ghanaian affected by a mental health condition, especially the poor and most marginalized will have access to the care they need.

In Ghana, as in many countries, more needs to be done to overturn stigma and discrimination and support the full, active inclusion of people with mental health conditions.

Next month, a UK Aid supported programme will be looking to tackle stigma among the urban youth, who are among the most vulnerable but are also the key to securing Ghana’s long-term future. We will continue to work with the Government of Ghana, the World Health Organisation and Ghanaian partners at the grassroots to erode the stigma and discrimination around mental health; and put human rights at the heart of Ghana’s approach to mental health.

Ladies and Gentlemen, As we mark World Mental Health Day, our thoughts are with those families devastated by suicide.
Mental Health day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to work in Ghana and elsewhere towards transforming mental health, to promote care and support that is high quality, meets people’s needs and respects their dignity and rights.

Mental Health exists on a spectrum, from mild, time limited conditions, to chronic, progressive, severely disabling conditions. We are all on the continuum – all of us, in all countries and at all ages – and some of us move along that spectrum. We all need to pay as much attention to our on mental health as we do our physical health. Finally, I want to thank BasicNeeds for bringing us all together today to discuss the issue of suicide prevention.
I look forward to learning more about how we can better support people to improve their mental health and how the UK can best partner with Ghana on this important, but seldom discussed, issue.

Thank you.