A future for UK steelmaking? A stark warning from the VOA and faster broadband for remote areas
In today’s blog post from MLS Accountancy, we look at the long-term future of UK steelmaking, a warning from the VOA as they suspend two business rates agents and the government announce measures to provide remote areas with faster broadband.
New Steel Council launched to rebuild the UK’s steel industry
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds co-chaired the first meeting of a new Steel Council last week. The Steel Council’s purpose is to help secure the long-term future of steelmaking in the UK.
The new Council will feature regular meetings with trade union leaders, industry experts, devolved government representatives, trade associations and steel sector leaders such as CEOs from Tata Steel and British Steel.
The government plans to launch their Steel Strategy in the Spring and the Council will help with this both before the launch and afterwards.
Gareth Stace, Director-General of UK Steel said: “This [steel] strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to foster a competitive business environment that encourages long-term investment and ensures steelmaking remains at the heart of the UK economy.”
Two business rates agents suspended by VOA
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) have announced the suspension of two business rates agents. These are Rateable Value Experts and Re-Rates UK. The VOA have not specified the exact reasons for the suspension and have simply said that they are investigating a potentially serious breach of their agent standards.
While the suspension is in force, the VOA won’t work with or accept any information from the two agents. This is likely to cause difficulties for any customers that they are representing, and so the VOA have written to customers that are affected.
As part of the announcement, the VOA have reminded businesses of the need to be cautious of agents who:
- try to pressure you to make a decision or sign a contract.
- say they are acting on behalf of the VOA or forward emails to you that they claim are from the VOA.
- demand large sums of money up front.
- make claims about ‘unclaimed credits’ or similar.
It is worth noting that there is no need to use an agent to handle your business rates related matters. The VOA provides a free online service where you can challenge your rateable value for yourself.
The VOA also provides a checklist of agents that you can use to select an agent. They point out that using this is safer than allowing an agent to select you.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/temporary-suspension-of-business-rates-agents
Government announces £289 million investment to deliver faster broadband to remote areas
The UK government has announced contracts worth over £289 million to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 131,000 homes and businesses in some of the country’s most remote locations. The initiative is part of the government’s Project Gigabit program, which aims to modernise broadband infrastructure across the country.
The contracts will focus on regions such as the Dee Valley, Isle of Anglesey, and Shropshire Hills, as well as parts of North and Southwest Wales, Herefordshire, Devon, Somerset, Essex, North East England, and Worcestershire.
Project Gigabit: An overview
Project Gigabit seeks to bring high-speed internet to hard-to-reach areas, where commercial providers have traditionally found it challenging to operate.
As of now, over 85% of the UK can access gigabit-capable connections, and more than 1 million premises in rural and remote areas already have access to upgrades. The ultimate goal is full gigabit coverage across the UK by 2030.
Benefits for rural areas
There are many advantages to faster broadband, including improved access to remote healthcare services, online education, and remote working opportunities. High-speed connections can also benefit businesses by enhancing their ability to operate and serve customers online.
Openreach CEO Clive Selley noted that the expansion of full-fibre broadband could boost UK productivity by £73 billion and bring significant social benefits.
HSE turns 50
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. The HSE was created by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and officially launched on 1 January 1975.
In 1974, 651 employees were killed at work. HSE’s statistics for 2023/24 show 138 employees were killed at work and indicates the work that has been done to reduce workplace death and injury in England, Scotland and Wales over the last 50 years.
Marking the occasion, Sarah Albon, chief executive of HSE, said: “Over the past half century, the Health and Safety Executive has led the way in establishing Great Britain as a safe place to work. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we recognise there is still much for HSE to take on.”