Sue Robb of 4Children talks to Julie Laughton and Alison Britton from the Department for Education about the role of childminders in delivering the 30 hours free entitlement.
Unison launches petition for debate on pension funds
Trade union Unison has launched a petition to debate the proposal to pool local government pension funds in order to invest in infrastructure.
The plans were announced by the former chancellor George Osborne in October’s Budget and involved combining local authority pension funds into six new British Wealth Funds work around £25 billion to help increase investment in major infrastructure projects.
The Union maintained that while it supports the idea of pooling funds, it argued union-nominated representatives should be appointed to the new pool governance structures, as opposed to ministers.
The union has gained 100,000 signatures which means Parliament must discuss it.
The petition stated: “Government wants powers over LGPS investment funds, but they could gamble away members’ money on infrastructure projects. This is not allowed in any other UK scheme, including the MPs.”
Dave Prentis, UNISON general secretary, said: “It’s time ministers granted a debate in Parliament on the future of the local government pension scheme. No other pension fund in the UK has this level of interference, and it’s important that MPs can scrutinise proposals affecting one of the largest schemes in the UK.
“There must be proper consultation on the introduction of the new wealth funds, one that must involve unions in any investment decisions.”
Prentis added: “Ministers must allow council pension funds to make their own decisions on where they invest the current and future pension pots of care workers, teaching assistants and social workers, and allow them to get the best return.”
Latest News
19/08/2019 - 14:37
A think tank says that the state pension age should rise to 75 within the 16 years in order to help boost the country’s economy.
19/08/2019 - 11:11
TfL has announced a new programme that will see 'Healthy Streets Officers' encourage greater walking, cycling and public transport In London.
19/08/2019 - 10:18
A call for evidence has been launched to allow consumers and producers to help shape how we produce, sell and consume food in the UK.
19/08/2019 - 10:04
Councils looking to improve public services through innovative uses of digital technology can apply for funding.
19/08/2019 - 09:59
The CCN is urging the Prime Minister to see through his promise to ‘level up’ funding for the country’s ‘left behind’ places.
Company Focus
Damp Detectives Ltd Is a company of independent unbiased surveyors who are saving Home Owners, Landlords and Housing Associations thousands of pounds. So how can we help you?
Event Diary
It is no mystery that there is a huge task at hand to solve the growing problems of waste, inefficient resources, and the disposal of hazardous materials as our communities develop.
You are invited to this unique annual exhibition that brings together all the disciplines from the emergency services sector who are involved in prevention, response and recovery.
Supplier Profiles
Apex Bird Control is a specialist bird control business within the pest control industry.
Method are the makers of recycling bins designed to optimise recycling and waste for the modern f
Latest Features
VisitScotland Business Events’ campaign ‘Legends’ shines a light on why the world should choose Scotland for their next event
The British Association of Landscape Industries write about how green spaces and landscapes can be maintained during the winter months
