UK government moves to cut energy wastage and bills

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Household Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improve Energy Efficiency ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Subject UK government energy efficiency initiative Significance The government had previously cooled towards environmental protection measures, but it has now introduced rules that oblige landlords to improve energy efficiency in the rented buildings sector. The initiative comes as household energy bills remain high, despite recent reductions in energy prices, and the political salience of energy affordability has risen. Fuel poverty and the potential of improved energy efficiency to mitigate it are issues across much of the EU. Impacts The government's initiative may encounter implementation difficulties, particularly if the new rules are not given a high public profile. High retail energy prices will keep energy affordability as a politically salient issue, in the UK and EU. The current slump in international oil prices has yet to feed fully into sustained reductions in retail gas and electricity prices. A drop in retail energy prices could blunt the momentum behind policies to improve energy efficiency, and revive energy demand.

Energy development in Nigeria and the need for strategic energy efficiency practice scheme for the residential building sector

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Udale Hussaini ◽  
Noor Hanita Abdul Majid
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Strategic Plan ◽  
Energy Development ◽  
Building Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improve Energy Efficiency ◽  
The Government

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek ways to improve energy efficiency in the residential building sector of Nigeria. This is necessary so as to promote a wider scope of energy efficiency practice in order to reduce energy demand on the central power supply of the nation and as well-attain reasonable level of energy security. Design/methodology/approach – However, the objective of the study is to propose a strategic plan (scheme) of energy efficiency practice for the housing sector of the Nigerian economy. To accomplish this task, a review of the main issues of energy efficiency; the current energy situation in Nigeria; and the challenges to implementing energy efficiency in the country was undertaken. Findings – Finally, remedial measures to achieving energy efficiency in the Nigerian households were proffered by the provision of a “strategic scheme” to be accomplished by the government and the housing stakeholders. Research limitations/implications – It is evident that a strategic plan or framework must be put in place in order to overcome the challenges of energy efficiency in the residential building sector. And this framework is to adequately address the issues of design practice, the efficiency of appliances in use and the housing occupant behaviour. Practical implications – The main goal is the attainment of energy-efficient households in Nigeria through the application of EE practice strategies. Originality/value – The study highlights on the energy development level of the country. It has also identified the numerous barriers as well as the principal actors to achieving energy-efficient households in Nigeria. After all, the suggested “plan of action” as provided in the scheme is to serve as a benchmark and reference point to the government, the housing stakeholders as well as the housing occupant for the attainment of energy efficiency.

Geospatial data in the UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Jozefowicz ◽  
Merlin Stone ◽  
Eleni Aravopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Western Country ◽  
Geospatial Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain the rise of geospatial data, its importance for business and some of the problems associated with its development and use. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews a certain amount of previously published literature but is based mainly on analysis of the very large number of responses to a consultation paper on geospatial data published by the UK Government. Findings The findings are that while there is strong appreciation of the potential benefits of using geospatial data, there are many barriers to the development, sharing and use of geospatial data, ranging from problems of incompatibility in data definitions and systems to regulatory issues. The implication for governments and for providers and users of geospatial data relates to the need to take a long-term approach to planning in resolving the issues identified. Research limitations/implications The research findings are limited to the UK, but similar findings would be likely in any other large Western country. Practical implications This paper confirms the need for a strong and coherent approach to the planning of geospatial data and systems for the establishment of a clear basis for the different parties to work together and the need to clearly separate the roles of the government in establishing frameworks and standards and the role of the private sector in developing applications and solutions. Social implications Society is increasingly dependent on the use of geospatial data, in improving living standards and dealing with social problems. The recommendations identified in this paper, if followed, will facilitate these improvements. Originality/value The value of this paper is the tight synthesis that it provides of a wide ranging and complex range of responses to the UK Government consultation and placing these responses in the wider context of the development of geospatial data.

United Kingdom to strengthen cybersecurity nationally

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Public Private Partnerships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
A Priority ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Naming And Shaming

Subject The United Kingdom's new cybersecurity strategy. Significance The UK government on November 1 published its Cybersecurity Strategy for 2016-21. The new strategy doubles the previous investment in cyber to 1.9 billion pounds (2.4 billion dollars) during a time of government cutbacks, making it clear that the government regards cybersecurity as a priority. Impacts Despite serious investment, the government will still face a challenge in recruiting those with the required cyber skills. Given the expertise in the private sector, public-private partnerships will continue to be vital for protecting UK networks. ‘Naming and shaming’ cyber aggressors may become more prevalent as states seek to deter further cyberattacks. Governments may also increasingly focus on developing offensive cyber tools that can be used to counter-strike.

State intervention in UK economy could increase

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Impact ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
State Intervention ◽  
Policy Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Permanent Damage ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Social Recovery

Subject COVID-19 UK economic impact. Significance The UK economy is already contracting sharply as a result of the restrictions imposed by the government to contain the spread of COVID-19. In response, the UK government has announced a major programme of fiscal measures to reduce job losses and business closures. This is not designed to prevent this immediate fall but intended to reduce permanent damage to the economy. Impacts If the COVID-19 crisis persists beyond a few months, the policy response could become more complex and politically divisive. The economic and social recovery from COVID-19 will be crucial for the prime minister's survival prospects. COVID-19 has significantly increased the chances of an extension to the Brexit transition period beyond December 2020.

Ethics could damage public trust in UK government

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Prime Minister ◽  
Conservative Party ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Supreme Court ◽  
Constitutional Constraints ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Roll Out

Significance The UK government’s landslide election victory in 2019 has given Prime Minister Boris Johnson room to pursue an agenda for governance that targets institutions such as the Supreme Court and the Electoral Commission. The government has also ignored the recommendations of ethics bodies and appointed to key positions individuals with close personal ties to the ruling Conservative Party. Impacts The government’s agenda risks attracting increasingly questionable sources of offshore political money and support. The institutional agenda to remove constitutional constraints and reform the civil service will likely resume after COVID-19. The successful roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination would likely boost public confidence in the UK government.

How employers are rising to the 20% challenge: increasing the uptake of degree apprentices from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-649
Author(s):  
Isa Mutlib
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Job Role ◽  
Minority Ethnic ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper outlines the UK Government's move to increase the numbers of apprentices. It explores how employers are looking to increase take up of apprenticeships with focus on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, the solutions they have identified and the role of higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachThis is the viewpoint of the BAME Apprenticeship Alliance and its Director through engaging with BAME apprentices and collecting a variety of research to show the benefit of recruiting from BAME backgrounds for individuals and organisations. Examples of good practices are included.FindingsThis paper shows there has been an increased effort from UK Government to increase apprenticeship representation from BAME communities. The UK Government has supported the role of apprentices in raising awareness of apprenticeships through recognition of their work.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to the last five years from when the first degree apprenticeship was announced in 2015. Its real impact must be measured after a degree apprentice graduates finding what influence this has on job role, salary and subsequently promoting it to prospective apprentices from under-represented communities.Practical implicationsPractical implications include promoting apprentices as role models for the community and engaging with regional and stakeholder networks between HEIs, employers and the Government to share best practice.Originality/valueInitiatives mentioned within this paper are original to the BAME Apprenticeship Alliance.

UK government is preparing for an early election

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
General Election ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Eu

Significance Johnson's cabinet overhaul is the largest in decades, replacing 17 cabinet ministers from the previous government mostly with individuals who support Johnson’s hard-line stance on Brexit. Impacts Brussels could offer London a ‘Northern Ireland only’ backstop, but this will be rejected by the UK government. The government will likely pass legislation to protect EU citizens’ rights in the United Kingdom if there is a no-deal Brexit. The EU will only grant another extension if a deal is almost agreed, or if there is a UK general election or second Brexit referendum.

UK low-carbon policy to favour nuclear over renewables

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Carbon Policy ◽  
Economic Trends ◽  
The Government ◽  
Local Opposition ◽  
The Uk

Significance The announcement during Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent UK visit that China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) will invest in the new Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant confirmed the UK government's commitment to nuclear. It looks likely to secure the technology's UK future. However, with nuclear accounting for less than 20% of UK electricity supply and under 10% of total energy demand, questions remain about meeting the rest of the country's energy needs, including through renewables. Impacts UK energy demand has stagnated recently, seeming to 'decouple' from economic trends: any energy-use rise looks set to lag overall growth. Despite a less supportive policy environment, renewables' share in the energy mix could keep rising if the cost-decline trend continues. However, the government could follow other countries in imposing further charges on existing renewables suppliers to contain growth. Local opposition to shale projects could become politically awkward for the government in some areas.

Russia will factor in 'usual' responses to UK spy case

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
The West ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intelligence Agencies ◽  
Intelligence Activity ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
Will Force ◽  
The Uk

Significance The government is under pressure to attribute the attack to Russia but has so far insisted on gathering full evidence before doing so and setting out retaliatory steps. The attack seems to breach implicit rules of intelligence activity. Impacts The UK government will have to shape a response while navigating between hawkish and conciliatory voices in London and Washington. The West will use back-channel discussions with Russia to discover whether this attack marks a change in intelligence 'rules'. Western intelligence agencies will have to reassess their operations as they consider the attack's implications. The case will force a review of policies for securing agents and defectors, and deter potential collaborators.

Trialling behaviour change strategies to motivate interest in property level flood protection

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Bichard ◽  
Nirooja Thurairajah
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Flood Protection ◽  
Change Strategies ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
North West ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The UK Government is spending an increasingly large sum on flood protection to protect communities and businesses. Flood events are predicted to become more frequent and severe as a result of global warming, and the government is seeking to find ways to ensure that individual householders are prepared for this. Attitudinal studies have shown that there is an interest by homeowners to respond to motivational behaviour change strategies and accept incentives such as non-cash rewards in return for investing in flood protection measures for their houses. This paper builds on a study trialling the measures suggested in the earlier attitudinal studies in a flood-threatened community in North West England. Design/methodology/approach – The hypothesis of the research has been formulated from the findings from the earlier phase of the project and was further supported with a comprehensive literature review. The data collection was carried out using survey strategies. During the data analysis, the research adopted descriptive statistical methods. The information gathered by the survey of 50 householders in the study area was analysed using statistics software. Findings – Policymakers in the UK are beginning to consider the theories and methods that have been proposed by behavioural economists and social psychologists when designing strategies to influence action on climate change. The Timperley Green Homes trials and the attitudinal work that underpinned it are examples of how some of this thinking can be applied in the field. A combination of information delivered at key moments in the decision-making process, incentives and norm-based influences have the potential to help motivate the owners of domestic property to invest in flood protection measures. However, this strategy needs to be delivered within the context of affordable materials and installer costs. In addition, regulators and local government will need to devise more effective ways to communicate both the likelihood and the significance of a flood incident on householder’s properties because, at present, there is little evidence to suggest that the population thinks that flooding is a high priority concern. Research limitations/implications – The Trial was designed to be a limited sample experiment that was commissioned as a proof of concept study. However, policymakers may require a larger sample and an extended period before the proposals are rolled out on a national scale. Practical implications – The study was commissioned by the UK flood management regulator and a local authority to help design future strategies to influence householders who are sceptical or are underactive to messages about the effects of climate change. The study provides evidence for some fresh thinking on how to mount future-influencing strategies by government bodies. Originality/value – There have been some attitudinal studies around flooding and behaviour, but the authors know of none that have used non-cash incentives as the central proposition to be tested. The Trial was also original in the way it incorporated other influencers including norm-based tactics and facilitation in a combined strategy with incentives.

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