New controls help protect jobs for British workforce

A raft of new government measures will ensure that resident workers can have every opportunity to fill vacancies before they are offered to workers abroad, the Home Secretary announced today.

Following careful consideration the Government has accepted the recommendations made by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) last month to tighten up the rules controlling when skilled workers are allowed to take jobs in the UK under the Government's points system.

This will mean that from next year, all jobs must be advertised to British workers in Jobcentre Plus for four weeks, extended from two weeks, before companies can seek to employ individuals from outside Europe. This will ensure that British workers are not only first in line for jobs but also now have more time in which to apply.

The Government will also extend the qualifying period for all those overseas workers who want to transfer to work at the UK base of their company meaning that they must have worked for their firm for at least a year rather than just six months prior to the move.

The minimum salary that will allow an individual to qualify as a skilled worker and be eligible to work in the UK will also rise from £17,000 to £20,000.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said:

"The introduction of the points based system has radically improved our ability to respond quickly to changing economic circumstances.

"We have now accepted all of the Migration Advisory Committee's recommendations and we will continue to work with them to make sure that we use the flexibility in the points based system to the best advantage of society and the economy.

"These changes will ensure that businesses can recruit the skilled foreign workers that the economy needs, but not at the expense of British workers, nor as a cheaper alternative to investing in the skills of the existing workforce."

A total of sixteen recommendations were put forward by the Migration Advisory Committee, all of which will now be put in place to ensure that the points based system does more to support UK workers while continuing to facilitate the trade, travel, and study that benefits the UK.

In reaching this decision, the Government has been advised by informative discussions with businesses and key public service organisations and the Government will continue to work with business to develop a plan for implementing the recommendations.

Managing labour immigration during economic growth and recession: International experiences with points-based systems

An international conference organised by the UK's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

An international conference to share different experiences of immigration points based systems will be hosted by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The conference, being held in London on 7 September, will be attended by government representatives, migration advisors and academics from Canada, Australia, USA and Europe.

The global movement of migrant workforces is constantly fluctuating and the regulation of labour immigration has become a significant matter for public debate.

The current economic down turn has also added further momentum to the debate and although national contexts differ, there is significant scope for comparing, assessing and learning from different countries' experiences with managing labour immigration in times of economic growth and crisis.

The Chair of the MAC, Professor David Metcalf, said:

"Policymakers and experts from major immigration countries have come together to discuss their labour immigration policy experiences with a particular focus on the role and design of points-based systems.

"This conference is a chance for our key international partners to share their experiences of migration, in particular over the last two years, during the economic down turn."

"Booze ASBOs" call time on problem drinkers

Tough new powers to crack down on people responsible for alcohol-fuelled crime and antisocial behaviour have come into force, Home Office Minister Alan Campbell announced yesterday.

From today police and local authorities will be able to apply for Drinking Banning Orders (DBO) on individuals aged 16 and upwards who regularly commit crime or anti-social behaviour while under the influence of the alcohol.

Magistrates will be able to impose any condition they think is necessary under the "booze ASBOs" to protect the public from that individual committing further offences. This could include banning from consuming alcohol in public places, including certain pubs, bars and off licences and restricting them from entering certain areas.

The orders can last from between two months and two years and anyone who breaches a DBO is liable for a fine of up to £2,500. Offenders who are subject to an order can be referred a Positive Behaviour Intervention Course to address their alcohol misuse. Successful completion of the course may lead to a reduction in the length of the order.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said:

"Tackling crime and disorder linked to alcohol is one of our top priorities and we have made real progress but with the cost to the UK totalling billions of pounds a year we know there is still more to be done.

"These orders will stop those people who are well known to the authorities, licencees and often the communities where they live, from ruining lives and will make them face up to their destructive behaviour.

"If irresponsible drinkers do not accept support, these orders will ensure that they face some very real consequences." Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said:

"We welcome steps to crackdown on those who commit crime or are involved in anti-social behaviour after misusing alcohol. Tough enforcement against offenders is critical if we are to change the culture around problem drinking.

"We support Government steps to encourage police, local authorities and magistrates to use the powers at their disposal to combat the behaviour of a troublesome minority."

Don Shenker, Alcohol Concern Chief Executive, said:

"Used as part of a package of measures to reduce alcohol harms these initiatives can make a real difference to safety on our streets.

"Policing of alcohol-related crime must go hand in hand with more robust measures to curb irresponsible and illegal sales and improved treatment pathways for dependent drinkers.

"We welcome the idea of positive behaviour courses to educate people about alcohol harm – these courses should be available for everyone who has been given a Drinking Banning Order. "

DBO Positive Behaviour Intervention Courses will be available across the country and will be run by a list of approved providers. The Government is not supporting these courses financially and participants will be expected to pay a fee for attending the courses, between £120 and £250, to cover the costs.

Equal birth registration rights for female couples

Female couples now have the same rights as heterosexual couples when registering the birth of a child conceived as a result of fertility treatment.

From Tuesday 1 September, changes to the Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 mean female civil partners who use fertility treatment to conceive a child will be treated in the same way as married couples, with both female parents' names able to be included on the birth certificate.

In addition, female couples not in a civil partnership but receiving fertility treatment may also be registered as parents in the same way as unmarried heterosexual couples.

In both cases, providing relevant conditions are met, the female partner of the mother can be recorded as "parent" in the birth or still-birth registration and on any certificates issued.

Before this change, the mother's female partner could not be registered as a parent.

The changes to the regulations were approved by Registrar General James Hall earlier this year following Royal Assent for new parenthood provisions contained in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008. The Act's provisions only apply to female couples who have fertility treatment on or after April 6 2009.

Home Office Minister Lord Brett said:

"This positive change means that for the first time female couples who have a child using fertility treatment have the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts to be shown as parents in the birth registration.

"It is vital that we afford equality wherever we can in society, especially as family circumstances continue to change. This is an important step forward in that process."

Stonewall's Head of Policy and Research Ruth Hunt said:

"As the law improves to provide further equality, knowing your new rights will help people make full use of the services they're entitled to. And, if discrimination occurs, the same knowledge can help them demand fair treatment.

"Now lesbian couples in the UK who make a considered decision to start a loving family will finally be afforded equal access to services they help fund as taxpayers.

"So life for lesbian families isn't only fairer - it's also much easier."

Taking the initiative in the fight against mobile phone crime

Action to prevent criminals abusing new mobile phone technology, which allows them to be used like debit, credit and pre-pay cards, has been agreed by the Government, mobile phone and card payments industries, Home Office Minister Alan Campbell announced today.

The new technology, which will allow customers to buy things by swiping them over sensors in a similar way to Oyster cards, is being trialled by phone companies and banks in the UK. In an effort to design out opportunities for crime and reduce harm to consumers the government has been working with industry to ensure the technology builds in tough security measures at the earliest stages.

Working with the government the mobile phone and banking industry have agreed to a set of guidelines. They have committed to ensuring consumers are not put at an increased risk due to the development of this technology, especially young people who are often the earliest adopters of technology and suffer from disproportionate risk. The guidelines include:

• ensuring contactless payment functions, SIM cards and phones will be disabled as soon as possible once a contactless payment mobile phone is reported lost or stolen;

• that any transactions above the maximum contactless payment value (currently £10) will require verification, such as a pin code, similar to the current guidelines that underpin existing contactless card payment schemes. Additional security such as a pin codes will also be required if more than a certain number of low-value transactions are carried out consecutively; and

• any customer who signs up for a contactless payment phone will be encouraged to add their details on the National Mobile Phone Register to make it easier for stolen phones to be identified and recovered.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said:

“These guidelines are an important step forward in protecting the public from criminals. I am pleased that the mobile and banking industries have worked with us to ensure that the public are protected at the earliest opportunity.

“By working closely with industry we have already put in place measures to make it harder for thieves to profit from mobile phone theft – around 90 per cent of handsets reported stolen are now blocked within 24 hours of reporting reducing their value and the incentive for criminals.

“This technology is an exciting new development but we must continue to work together to reduce any new opportunities for criminals to profit from mobile theft. As new technologies like this develop we aim to consider where safeguards can be incorporated at the drawing board stage.”

Jack Wraith, spokesman for the Mobile Phone Industry said:

“The Mobile Phone Industry has welcomed the opportunity to work with the Banking Industry in developing these guidelines to ensure that the customer experience in using contactless payments, via mobile devices, is both secure and robust. The mobile phone is an integral part of modern day life and the Mobile Phone Industry will continue to work with all stakeholders to mitigate any risk to our customers in the operation of contactless payment technology.

“The partnership, between the customer and their home network is core to the customer experience in using mobile phones and while the banking industry develops payment applications the Mobile Phone Industry will continue to provide support, advice and best practice to protect this experience. The Mobile Phone Industry welcomes the support of the Government and Police in the ongoing fight to prevent criminals from benefiting from mobile phone theft”

Paul Marsh, Director of The UK Cards Association, said:

"We have welcomed the opportunity to engage in discussions with the Home Office, the mobile phone industry, Visa and MasterCard at this early stage, to ensure that principles around customer protection are agreed across the board. The payments industry is sensitive to customer concerns’ about security and has always set high standards for its products; any new payment solutions will be developed with precisely this in mind."

Contactless payment phones use near-field communication technology to authorise payments on an individual’s credit or debit cards or pre-paid account.

Previous advances in technology have led to unexpected new forms of crime; email heralded the phenomenon of ‘phishing’, ATMs precipitated the new crime of ‘card catching’ and online banking gave rise to ‘key logging’, used by fraudsters to track the input of secret passwords and account numbers.

However, there are also many examples of design being applied successfully to reduce opportunities for crime – for example, British Crime Survey figures show theft of vehicles has reduced by 51 per cent since 1997 as a result of improved security being designed into the vehicle, and an evaluation of houses built to the ACPO Secured By Design (SBD) standards showed that these experience 26 per cent less crime than non SBD houses, and residents fear of crime is lower.

Immigration and Asylum statistics released

Annual immigration statistics for 2008 and quarterly immigration figures for April to June 2009, covering migration from Eastern Europe, asylum applications and removals and voluntary departures, were published by the Home Office today.

The figures show that work applications from the eight accession countries have continued to fall in 2009. In the second quarter of this year there were 26,150 applications from workers in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia and the Czech Republic - down from 46,070 in the same period in 2008.

The number of Bulgarian and Romanians applying for accession worker cards also continues to fall. There were 580 applications in the second quarter of 2009, a fall of 43 per cent, compared to the same quarter in 2008.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) published figures earlier today that show net-migration fell to 118,000 in 2008, from 209,000 in 2007, the lowest since the eight accession countries joined the EU in 2004.

In the first half of 2009, 30,435 people illegally in the UK were removed or voluntarily departed from the country, including 2,550 foreign prisoners. The latest figures also confirm that a total 67,980 people were removed or voluntarily departed in 2008.

Individuals seeking asylum in the UK has remained broadly at the same level over the past four years. It is less than a third of the level when it peaked in 2002. Applications for asylum in the second quarter of 2009 were 6,045 compared with 5,830 in quarter two 2008. The Home Office is now concluding 60 per cent of new asylum cases within six months.

Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said:

"The fall in net-migration is further proof that migrants come to the UK for short periods of time, work, contribute to the economy and then return home. Our new flexible points based system gives us greater control on those coming to work or study from outside Europe, ensuring that only those that Britain need can come.

"Britain's borders are stronger than ever before. Our border controls in northern France are stopping record numbers of migrants reaching our shores - 28,000 in 2008.

"We are rolling out ID cards to foreign nationals, we have introduced civil penalties for those employing illegal workers and from the end of next year our electronic border system will monitor 95 per cent of journeys in and out of the UK.

"The British people can be confident that immigration is under control."

International crack down on identity fraud

A new fingerprint sharing deal with Canada and Australia will boost the fight against identity fraud, the Home Office announced today.

Under the new data sharing agreement, the UK will be able to swap fingerprint information of foreign criminals and asylum seekers with these two countries - making it easier than ever to flag up those migrants who try to hide their past from authorities, while ensuring personal information continues to be protected.

This ground-breaking agreement has been developed by the members of the Five Country Conference, which is a forum for cooperation on measures to improve immigration controls and border security. The United States will be joining shortly and New Zealand is considering legislation to join in the near future.

Each country will have the same ability to check fingerprints and for the first year of the agreement each country will be able to share 3,000 sets of fingerprints with partner countries -

The collaboration will make it easier to detect those people with previous criminal histories in other countries, as well as speed up removals, and establish previously unknown identities.

UK Border Agency Deputy Chief Executive, Jonathan Sedgwick, said:

"We already have one of the toughest borders in the world and we are determined to ensure it stays that way.

"We are continuing to expand our watch-lists, work more closely with foreign Governments to share information, and speed up the re-documentation of those being removed.

"This new agreement will help us identify and remove individuals whose identities were previously unknown but also improve public safety through better detection of lawbreakers and those coming to the UK for no good."

These checks are complementary to the ones we already undertake with our European partners and trials of the data-sharing agreement have already reaped results, with individuals' identities being revealed through the exchange and checking of fingerprints.

In one such case, an individual claiming asylum in the UK as a Somali was found to have previously been fingerprinted on arrival in the USA while traveling on an Australian passport.

Australia subsequently confirmed that the individual was an Australian citizen wanted for rape. This resulted in his deportation to Australia, where he faced court proceedings and is now serving a jail sentence.

The protection of personal information is important to all the countries involved in this project and the specific measures that are being employed to protect privacy include:

* ensuring that all fingerprints remain anonymous and cannot be linked to an individual unless a match is detected between countries;

* destroying fingerprints once a match has been completed with no fingerprint database being compiled; and

* using encryption and other security tools to protect files that are shared.

Restraining order powers to further protect victims of domestic violence and harassment

A powerful tool to help protect victims of harassment including domestic abuse will come into effect next month, the Government confirmed today.

From 30 September courts will have greater freedom to grant restraining orders when abusers appear before them, giving victims immediate protection and sparing them the ordeal of a separate civil action.

Currently courts can only issue restraining orders following conviction for two types of offences: harassment or putting someone in fear of violence.

Under the new rules an order can be made following conviction for any offence and even where someone is acquitted in order to better protect victims. Breaking the terms of a restraining order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.

Today’s announcement coincides with the publication of the National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan 2008/9.

Home Office Minister Lord West said:

“Domestic violence is a devastating crime which impacts across all communities.
“We continue to make good progress in tackling this hateful crime and conviction rates are improving – 72 per cent of cases charged and brought to court at the end of 2008/09 resulted in a conviction compared with 60 per cent four years ago.

“The additional powers announced today will also help victims in need of immediate protection and spare them the need to take separate civil action.

“But there is still more to be done and I look forward to the launch of the cross-government Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy in November and further measures to help victims and prevent violence.”

Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, said:

“Domestic violence is totally unacceptable. Since 1997 we have strengthened the law, increased sentences, and improved the way police, courts and the criminal justice system support victims of domestic violence, which has led to a 64 per cent drop in incidents of domestic violence.

"But we are committed to doing more. These new restraining orders will mean that a woman does not have to go from pillar to post, immediately giving her protection from harassment.”

Nicola Harwin, Chief Executive of Women's Aid, said:

"Women's Aid welcomes the report and looks forward to the launch of the Violence against Women and Girls strategy in November. We must improve protection for those affected by abuse and welcome the many initiatives over the last 10 years to improve protection. These restraining orders will provide a valuable new tool to help protect victims

"Women's Aid also welcomes proposals for improved prevention work with young people in schools. Evidence shows that although many young people will not tolerate domestic violence, up to a million girls and boys in the UK are at risk every year."

The report shows that the Government has made significant headway in ensuring perpetrators of violence against women are effectively dealt with and victims supported.

Key achievements in 2008/9 include:

- allocating funding of £500,000 towards the National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge, which received over 137,000 calls last year;

- the Crown Prosecution Service reaching 72 per cent for successful prosecutions with the number of unsuccessful outcomes in domestic violence cases falling significantly;

- funding of £225,000 provided to train 75 Independent Domestic Violence Advisers;

- an increase in the number of multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARACs) which meet to protect high risk victims of domestic violence to more than 200. Last year more than 24,000 cases had been brought to MARAC involving 34,000 children;

- implementation of the Forced Marriage Act. The Forced Marriage Unit saw a 27 per cent increase in the number of cases as more people sought help than ever before; and

- expanding the Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC) programme to 122 in order to bring more perpetrators to justice.

Meeting the needs of British workers while maintaining the interests of the UK economy, the Migration Advisory Committee recommends today

Immigration plays an important role in supporting the UK economy the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) report into the workings of Tier 2 of the Points Based System (PBS) highlights.

However, the report recommends that the earnings thresholds for gaining points should be raised, jobs should be advertised within the UK for longer and the arrangements for intra-company transfers should be strengthened. Strong monitoring and enforcement of Tier 2 is also required.

Sponsored skilled workers from outside the EU can work in the UK under Tier 2 of the PBS. This gives British workers priority on all advertised jobs, but where British workers are not available, Tier 2 will let companies employ people from outside of the EU, making sure that there are no skill gaps in the British economy.

Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee, Professor David Metcalf said:

“In our first analysis of the PBS, the committee thinks that Tier 2 is working well, but our advice to the Government is that the labour market could be helped by requiring higher standards from skilled workers outside of the EU before we allow them to work in the UK.

“We believe that selective immigration that favours skilled workers, as the PBS does, is vital to ensure that the UK continues to be a good place to do business or invest.

“However, it is important that British workers are not displaced. We have therefore made a number of recommendations which will help to avoid undercutting and any disincentives to raise the skills of UK workers.”

The report’s main findings:

The structure of Tier 2 is, as a whole, well designed for achieving its economic aims and for encouraging immigration to adjust to changing demand over the economic cycle. The MAC does not consider that it needs to be substantially revised in light of the recession.

The MAC recommends that all routes in Tier 2 remain in place. However, it does recommend that some changes are made and that the UK Border Agency (UKBA) considers whether there are enough resources devoted to enforcement and the penalties for employers are sufficient.

The MAC was not asked to make recommendations on the economic contribution of dependants of PBS immigrants but found that, on the basis of the available evidence, they tend to be skilled individuals employed in unskilled or lesser skilled occupations. There was not sufficient evidence to enable the MAC to conclude if dependents had made an impact on UK workers and this requires further research.

The following recommendations are made with regard to the design and operation of Tier 2:
* UKBA considers whether specific professional qualifications should be regarded as equivalent to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3, or bachelors or masters degree level when allocating points under the PBS;
* masters degree be awarded 15 points in Tier 2, instead of the current 10 points;
* a requirement that migrant workers outside of the EU will earn £20,000 and workers without qualifications earn at least £32,000
* a new category to be established for key public service workers, with an added 5 points.

In terms of the Resident Labour Market Test route the MAC recommends that:
* the route be kept in place;
* the required duration of vacancy advertising be increased to four weeks for all jobs;
* the Government considers the scope for introducing a certification regime for at least those employers identified as high risk.

In terms of the intra-company transfer route the MAC recommends that:
* the route be kept in place;
* the route should not lead to a right to permanent residence;
* the qualifying period with the company overseas is extended from 6 to 12 months;
* a separate scheme is created for graduates only which would require 3 months prior experience with the company, but with a maximum stay in the UK of 12 months; and
* the Government gives consideration to whether the level of resource currently being devoted to enforcement of the intra-company transfers route is sufficient and whether the degree of transparency around enforcement of the system could be increased.

Taser use to tackle violence up

New figures released today by the Home Office reveal the use and discharge of Tasers against violent criminals has increased as more specially trained units take to the streets

Statistics for the first quarter of 2009 are the first published since all police forces were authorised to give Tasers to non-firearms officers specially-trained to use the devices.

This followed a successful 12-month trial in ten forces across the country last year.

The new figures reveal the devices were used 250 times by specially trained units in the last quarter, up from 187 in the previous quarter. The units discharged them 62 times in the three months to April, compared to 35 in the last three months of 2008.

Specially trained units have now used Tasers 1,098 times since the trial began in September 2007. They were discharged 190 times.

Policing, Crime and Security Minister David Hanson MP said:

"I am determined to give police all the tools they need to crack down on violent crime. Tasers are a vital tool for our frontline officers and that is why we allowed forces to issue them to specially-trained units.

“They are making a real difference on our streets and helping to keep both the public and our police officers safe.

“Tasers have helped defuse dangerous situations where people could have been seriously injured or even killed. And often just the threat of the device is enough. On many occasions, drawing or aiming a Taser has proved enough of a deterrent.”

Government launches counter terrorism science and technology strategy

Experts from industry and academia are being invited to provide groundbreaking innovations to help combat the threat of terrorism as part of the government’s Science and Technology Counter Terrorism Strategy launched today.

Scientists are being asked to come forward with state-of-the-art ideas that could be used to identify new threats and develop ways to counter the challenges we face from international terrorism.

The three-year Science and Technology Counter Terrorism Strategy published today aims to:

* Understand future threats and opportunities;

* Develop effective solutions; and

* Work with our international partners on counter terrorism-related science and technology

Alongside the strategy, a brochure has been produced for science and technology experts, to put them in touch with key contacts.

Science and technology play a key part in counter-terrorism, enhancing our ability to pursue terrorists, prevent radicalisation, protect essential services and infrastructure and prepare for a terrorist attack.

The government’s counter terrorism strategy (CONTEST) has identified that terrorists will continue to exploit modern technology, not only to plan and conduct attacks, but also to disseminate propaganda and recruit people to their cause. The report published today sets out what the government is already doing to counter terrorism through science and technology.

The strategy and accompanying brochure set out key challenges and invite commercial experts to get in touch to see if they can work towards meeting the operational needs of the wider counter-terrorism community as well as our traditional partners such as the police, military and security services.

Security Minister Lord West said:

“The UK currently faces a real and serious threat from terrorism and we need to utilise our position as a world leader in science and technology to counter this.

“We need to match products and ideas to problems, which is why we are actively inviting people to join us and share expertise.

“The UK is a leading innovator in the design and provision of defence and security solutions. British technology can have greater practical applications across the world and is just one more tool in our fight against those who would wish to do us harm.”

UK identity card image unveiled

The image of the ID card for British citizens was officially unveiled by the Home Secretary today in Manchester and London.

The ID card, which can also be used as a travel document in Europe, was revealed by the Home Secretary at St Pancras International Station in London and to residents of Greater Manchester at an event in the city centre.

The ID card image shows the information contained on the face of the card, including photograph, name, date of birth and signature, and the card’s unique design. It will hold similar information to that currently contained in the UK passport as well as a photograph and fingerprints on a secure electronic chip – linking the owner of the card securely to their unique biometric identity.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said:

“The introduction of ID cards today reaches another milestone, enabling the people of Manchester to prove and protect their identity in a quick, simple and secure way.

“Given the growing problem of identity fraud and the inconvenience of having to carry passports, coupled with gas bills or six months worth of bank statements to prove identity, I believe the ID card will be welcomed as an important addition to the many plastic cards that most people already carry.

“The fact that it can be used as a passport when travelling in Europe will be an added advantage.”

The new UK identity cards will feature the latest physical security features, which are designed to give the card’s owner and those being asked to accept the card maximum protection from identity fraud or forgery, which costs the UK economy £1.2 billion on average each year.

They will act as a proof of age, helping prove an individual's right to enter premises or buy goods. They will also empower communities tackling anti-social behaviour and crime by allowing local retailers, including pubs and supermarkets, to make sure they aren't selling restricted goods to those who are underage.

A National Federation of Retailers and Newsagents spokesperson said:

“Underage sales are a problem across the UK and we are always looking for new ways for the public, especially those under the age of 18 years old, to prove their identity.”

“As the cards use the latest security technology, retailers can be confident that the person in front of them is who they say they are. What’s more, UK citizens now have the option of using a document that’s very portable and extremely useful.”

The Home Office takes seriously the concerns that the public have over their information being stored securely and accessed appropriately. That is why an Identity Commissioner will be appointed before ID cards are introduced to oversee operation of the service and report annually on the uses to which ID cards are put and the confidentiality and integrity of information recorded in the National Identity Register. Public Panel meetings in Manchester and London will allow the public to join a conversation about the National Identity Service so their views, reactions and concerns inform the way service is developed and delivered.

As the Home Secretary announced last month, the National Identity Service will be accelerated with UK citizens in the North West able to apply for a card in the New Year before full national coverage from 2012. Details of how the introduction of ID cards for foreign nationals will be speeded up will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Home Office is also working closely with the Department for Transport and Manchester and London City airports on the development of plans to introduce improvements to the existing pre-employment checking and airside pass-issuing arrangements that will be possible with the introduction of identity cards for airside workers later in 2009. This includes plans for those holding an ID card to receive increasingly joined-up airport services by enabling them to confirm their identity quickly and securely as they move between aviation employers and airports across the UK.

Money for people to keep homes safe

More than 45,000 homes will have their security improved after a cash injection of nearly £5 million from the government, Home Office Minister Alan Campbell pledged today.

The money has been allocated from the £6million Safer Homes Fund which was set up in April to pay for local handy-people to visit up to 45,000 homes in 93 priority areas. The areas chosen are those where people are less likely to have good home security, such as older people and people on low incomes, will have security devices such as window locks installed, making their houses more secure.

The cash has been awarded to 66 voluntary and community projects who bid for the grants and will use it to help secure homes and provide training, community awareness events and security checks of vulnerable peoples’ homes.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said:

“Burglary has fallen nationally by 54 percent since 1997 but there are always changing patterns in crime. We know that during economic downturns certain crimes face upward pressure but we are already taking action to tackle this issue head on.

“Preventing burglary can be as simple as locking your doors and windows, yet 18 per cent of people don’t have proper door locks and 14 per cent don’t have window locks. These grants will help make the homes of thousands of people more secure and show them the simple steps they can take to protect themselves.

“This is just one part of a wider strategy which includes providing more money and resources to 35 areas to tackle burglary and robbery by cracking down on known offenders. We are also supplying free information packs for the public with money off vouchers on home security devices.”

Graeme Gerrard, Deputy Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary and Association of Chief Police Officers’ lead on burglary said:

“There are still too many burglaries occurring as a result of poor security and any initiative that makes houses more secure is bound to reduce burglary offences.

“The police service has worked closely on this initiative and welcomes the allocation of additional funding to help secure homes in the most vulnerable areas.

“Police officers are working hard to make life difficult for burglars. By targeting persistent offenders, making best use of forensic science and using neighbourhood officers to patrol vulnerable areas and offer crime prevention advice, we are making local streets and neighbourhoods safer.”

Gillian Guy, Victim Support’s Chief Executive, said:

“We are really pleased to be one of the beneficiaries of the money from the Safer Homes Fund - it will be a major boost to our work on the ground, helping to secure victims’ homes after a crime has taken place.

“We know that practical help is just one part of the support that victims need after a crime - the emotional impact can be devastating, and there is often a long healing process that Victim Support helps with. However, if people know their homes are secure this is an important step towards helping them to get on with their lives.”

There is still more than £1 million of the Safer Homes Fund to be allocated as grants which could help to secure up to 15,000 further properties.

Access to NHS services for foreign nationals

-Department of Health and Home Office publish joint review findings-

A joint Department of Health and Home Office review group has published its findings on a review into access to the NHS by foreign nationals, Health Minister Ann Keen announced today.

The review, launched in 2007, set out to examine the rules on charging non-UK residents for access to NHS services in England. The government has concluded that there should not be any significant change for either primary or secondary care.

The government has now agreed on a number of proposals, which will be consulted on in the autumn:

• Asylum seekers whose claim has been refused but who are being supported because there are recognised barriers to their return home should be exempt from charges;
• Unaccompanied children, including those in local authority care, should be exempt from charges;
• UK residents may be absent from the country for up to six months in a year before being considered for charges for NHS hospital treatment;
• Working with the UK Border Agency to recover money owed to the NHS and exploring options to amend the Immigration Rules so that visitors will normally be refused permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom if they have significant debts to the NHS; and
• Investigating the longer-term feasibility of introducing health insurance requirements for visitors.

Health Minister, Ann Keen said:

“These changes will support a clearer and fairer system of access to free NHS services that will maintain the confidence of the public and prevent inappropriate access while maintaining our commitment to human rights.

“These measures strike the right balance between controlled access, the protection and promotion of wider public health, and ensuring that the healthcare needs of the most vulnerable groups are protected.

“We remain firmly committed to the requirement that immediately necessary or other urgent treatment should never be denied or delayed from those that require it.”

The proposed changes will be put to public consultation in the autumn. The Department of Health and the Home Office will undertake separate consultations on their respective areas of responsibility, which will be linked and coordinated. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, changes will take effect as soon as possible in 2010.

Home Secretary statement on annual crime statistics

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said:

“The latest crime statistics are encouraging. Since 1997 overall crime has fallen by 36 per cent - a total of six million fewer crimes, violence is down by 41 per cent and domestic burglary is down by 54 per cent.

“Today’s figures show that the reductions in crime are being maintained and the risk of being a victim is still historically low.

“Encouragingly, violent crime continues to fall with homicide figures now lower than they have been for a decade and attempted murder also falling. Overall, violent crime with injury is down seven per cent and there has been a five per cent fall in recorded robberies, now at its lowest level since 2002.

“But we are not complacent. As in previous years we see changing patterns of crime and we know that during economic downturns certain crimes face upward pressure, which is why we’ve already taken action to tackle these head-on. Although today’s figures show signs of some acquisitive crimes increasing, the Government is determined to keep these crimes down by continued investment in preventative measures, tough, targeted policing and historically high numbers of police officers.

“Of course statistics are only part of the picture and offer no comfort to victims which is why it is encouraging that confidence at a local level is rising with nearly half of people saying they feel the police and local agencies are dealing with antisocial behaviour and crime in their area.”

New strategy to tackle serious organised crime

Plans to create a more hostile environment for organised criminals, seize their assets and shut down their businesses were part of a strategy to step up the fight against serious organised crime published by Home Secretary Alan Johnson today.

The new strategy, ‘Extending Our Reach: A Comprehensive Approach to Serious Organised Crime’, follows an assessment of how criminals are exploiting new global trends and outlines new approaches for the Government and law enforcement agencies.

Serious and organised crime is a multi-billion pound global business: trafficking in drugs and people, fraud and financial crime cost the UK Exchequer alone in the region of £30 billion a year.

Whilst the UK’s approach to serious and organised crime is one of the most sophisticated in the world, the threat is constantly evolving and global trends are creating opportunities for organised criminals that didn’t exist five years ago. In particular, there is an increasing link between organised crime and weak or failing states, where it easier for criminals to operate without detection or disruption and the use of newer technology to commit traditional crimes like fraud or theft by attacking IT networks.

To keep pace with the evolving threat, the strategy includes plans to:

* Create a more hostile environment for organised criminals by using tax powers to pin down elusive criminals, shutting down ‘front’ businesses like saunas and massage parlours used for criminal ends and seeking to block the use of mobile phones in prisons;

* Target the proceeds of crime by going after the assets of every organised criminal under investigation and rolling out police-led Regional Asset Recovery Teams to every part of the country;

* Investigate the UK-based assets of overseas criminals; and

* Step up the approach to international organised crime through better co-ordination overseas to target the emergence of networks in weak and failing states.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said:

“The UK is known by international partners as a world leader in the fight against serious organised crime. However, the threat continues to evolve and it is right that we update and strengthen our response to match it.

“This strategy goes further than ever before in taking the fight to organised criminals– from the hard-to-reach criminal bosses to the lower-level players that are harming our communities.

“Today we are sending a clear message to these networks that we are doing everything in our power to stop them threatening our safety, damaging our communities and subverting our economy.”

The strategy will see new regional asset recovery teams created to cover the South East, South West, East Midlands and Eastern regions, taking the total to nine teams across the country.

Today’s new approach will also arm the Government and law enforcement agencies to respond effectively as criminals seek to take advantage of the economic downturn through loan-sharking and counterfeit goods.

As well as a new emphasis on using all powers available to tackle organised criminals, the strategy sets out plans to create a new strategic body within the Home Office to drive the proposals forward, scrutinise performance and take the lead across the Government.

Public given powers to check local action on anti-social behaviour

Getting help tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and seeing what has been done in your area is now even easier thanks to a new website launched today by the Home Secretary Alan Johnson.

The ASB Action website is part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring those suffering harassment or intimidation feel confident they know who to turn to. The website allows the public to find the person or team in their area who can tackle local problems with anti-social behaviour.

The same interactive website also includes the latest data showing what public perceptions of anti-social behaviour are in each area and which of the many powers available to hit back at yobbish behaviour are being used. It even allows them to compare their local area with others across the country meaning they can demand further action if not enough is being done.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said:

“No one should assume anti-social behaviour is a problem they should have to live with.

“Giving the public easy access to support and ways of holding authorities to account when they are not doing well enough is vital if we are to give the public confidence that tough action is being taken on antisocial behaviour.

“We have given local areas a raft of tools and powers to tackle this problem and many areas have done excellent work, but local people expect action and now every member of the public can see what is being done.”

The data listed on the website includes the latest information on the number of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) issued.

As part of wider and ongoing work with local partnerships across the country the Home Office has agreed to prioritise 16 local partnerships to support them in tackling anti-social behaviour, increasing the use of ASB powers and in lowering perceptions of anti-social behaviour.

The ASB Action Squad, formed by the Home Office, will be working closely with these and other areas to ensure they are fully supported and have the expertise to use all the powers at their disposal in a way that responds to the needs and concerns of local people. The priority areas have been chosen because they have low use of tools and powers and high public perception of ASB.

Overall the British Crime Survey shows that the proportion of people who think there is a problem with anti-social behaviour in their area has fallen since 2002, thanks in large part to the increased use and effectiveness of the tools and powers we have introduced.

Councils and the police now have more powers to deal with anti-social behaviour than ever before:

- the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 gave the police and other; authorities powers to issue ASBOs and introduced parenting orders;

- the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 gave police the right to disperse crowds of people in areas where anti-social behaviour is a problem, and also gave landlords the right to evict tenants who persistently engage in such behaviour; and

- the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 gave police the power to close premises which are regularly being used by drug dealers and users.

(Home Office) Tackling drugs in our communities

National Tackling Drugs Week was launched today by Home Office Minister Alan Campbell. The awareness week, which runs from 8 - 12 June 2009, will see a range of partners including drug treatment agencies, local authorities, substance misuse voluntary workers, police and community groups highlighting their work to rid communities across the country of drugs.

Various activities are planned throughout the week to showcase the scale of public services and local organisations who work together to tackle drugs and make communities safer. Right across the country police enforcement to target drug dealers, education schemes teaching young people the harm caused by drugs and support structures for individuals and their families affected by drug use are ongoing.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said:

"National Tackling Drugs Week is about highlighting and promoting the work that goes on throughout the year in communities to reduce the very real harm caused by illegal substances.

"I want to thank those who go that extra mile to tackle drug use, by working tirelessly to bring to justice dealers who blight our communities, educating youngsters about the dangers of drugs and supporting friends and family of drug misusers. I know this work is making our communities safer and happier places in which to live and work.

"We can only do this through joint action between partners such as police forces, drug treatment agencies and local authorities which combine tough enforcement, treatment and awareness campaigns for the benefit of everyone."

Deputy Chief Constable Tony Melville, the Association of Chief Police Officers lead for National Tackling Drugs Week, said:

"National Tackling Drugs Week is an ideal opportunity to showcase the work of all police forces and enforcement agencies in the fight against drugs. We want local people to see and understand what we do in order to keep our local communities safe.

"Those of us who are responsible for law enforcement recognise the need to take a firm stance against those involved in criminal activity involving illicit drugs. We want local people to be confident that their concerns are understood and action is being taken to tackle drugs and drug related crime.

"The response, from police forces in support of the week, has been excellent with colleagues from around the country keen to demonstrate some of the significant, and widespread, work being undertaken regarding drug enforcement."

(Home Office) Gurkhas given right to settle in the UK

All former Gurkhas who have served in the British Army for at least four years will now be eligible for settlement in the UK, the Home Secretary announced in Parliament today.

Under the new policy, those Gurkhas who retired prior to 1 July 1997 and completed four years service can apply to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent children.

The policy introduced today refers specifically to those Gurkhas who retired before 1 July 1997 and who will now be granted settlement rights under the new scheme. Those who retired after 1 July 1997 are already eligible to apply for settlement under the current immigration rules.

Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith said:

"Generations of Gurkhas have served the United Kingdom with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world.

"We respect the will of the House of Commons on this issue and that is why I have now announced a new policy, the basis of which we have worked on with the Home Affairs Select Committee and Gurkha representatives.

"This means we can now welcome any Gurkha who has served for four years or more to settle in the UK."

In 2004 the Government granted the first Gurkhas the right of settlement in Britain if they served on or after 1 July 1997 - the point at which the Brigade's base moved to the UK. Since then, over 6,000 Gurkhas and their families have been given the right to live in the UK.

The new policy announced will allow settlement rights to be granted to all those who retired from the Brigade of Gurkhas prior to 1 July 1997 with four or more years' service. The new policy reflects the fresh advice of the Home Affairs Select Committee around the numbers of Gurkhas and their families likely to apply under the new rules.

Kevan Jones, Minister for Veterans said:

"The British Army and the Ministry of Defence are determined to do all that we can to uphold our ongoing commitment to the welfare of former Gurkhas, whether in Nepal or the UK. We value greatly the bravery, commitment and dedication which they have shown over many years and continue to demonstrate on operations today."

(Home Office) Proposals for control of GBL

New controls for a range of substances including GBL were set out today in two public consultations launched by the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

The aim is to prevent the misuse of GBL, 1,4 BD, BZP and a range of anabolic steroids as part of the Home Office's drug strategy and its commitment to responding to the changing drugs environment and emerging threats to public health.

GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) and its precursor 1,4 BD (1,4-butanediol) have wide legitimate uses as solvents but can be converted into the Class C controlled drug GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) in the body. The consultation sets out three options for control and invites industry, commerce and the general public to set out to the Government the potential impacts of the different approaches. These responses will inform the action that Government takes forward.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:

"I am determined that we respond to the dangers of these drugs and that is why I have committed to controlling them. It is absolutely right that we continue to adapt our drug policy to the changing environment of substance
misuse.

"This is the next step in tackling the unregulated market of so called 'legal highs'."

The second consultation sets out the Government's intention to control BZP (1- benzylpiperazine) as a Class C drug. It also makes clear the Home Office's aim, in line with the advice published today from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, to control a group of related compounds or substituted piperazines that have the same or very similar harms to BZP.

The consultation also sets out the Government's intention to update the list of steroids currently controlled as Class C drugs by adding a further 24 anabolic steroids and two non-steroidal substances to the class.