Latest news with #FredThomas
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
DWP urged to extend Motability Scheme to include people on Attendance Allowance
There is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance. How to apply for a Blue Badge The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been urged to take steps to support older people who become disabled after reaching State Pension age and require adapted vehicles and mobility assistance. Labour MP Fred Thomas also asked if it would 'make an assessment of the potential merits of expanding the eligibility criteria for the Motability Scheme to include Attendance Allowance claimants'. However, Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, said there are 'no plans' to review the Motability Scheme's qualifying benefits, but highlighted how there is 'no constraint on what an award of Attendance Allowance can be spent on, and a recipient may choose to use this benefit to fund mobility aids'. In a written response to the Plymouth Moor View MP, Sir Stephen said: 'Attendance Allowance (AA) is a weekly benefit for those over State Pension age who require care or supervision as a result of a physical or mental disability. AA is paid at two rates. A higher rate of £110.40 a week for claimants who need help or supervision for both day and night or who are terminally ill. And a lower rate of £73.90 for claimants who need frequent help or supervision during the day or night. 'AA provides financial support towards the extra costs faced by disabled people. It is neither means-tested, nor based on National Insurance contributions paid and recipients can choose how they wish to spend it. 'Receipt of AA can provide a passport to additional amounts in means-tested benefits (notably Pension Credit and Housing Benefit) for those on low incomes and to Carer's Allowance for the person providing care for them.' The DWP Minister continued: 'AA has never included a mobility component and so cannot be used in payment for a leased Motability Scheme vehicle. Government mobility support is focused on people who are disabled earlier in life. 'There is no constraint on what an award of Attendance Allowance can be spent on, and a recipient may choose to use this benefit to fund mobility aids. 'There are no plans to review the Scheme's qualifying benefits.' Blue Badge eligibility in a nutshell If you have a physical disability or health condition that affects your ability to walk safely, or have a hidden illness such as dementia, autism or Parkinson's, you may be able to get a Blue Badge to help you park closer to the places you want to go. A Blue Badge holder travelling either as a driver or a passenger can park for free in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions. There are currently more than 235,700 Blue Badge holders living in Scotland and in many cases, people will automatically qualify for the £20 parking permit. This includes those on the higher level of the mobility rate for PIP, Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). However, the Scottish Government has published a comprehensive list of circumstances which could see people with walking issues or parents caring for a disabled child, qualify for a Blue Badge. Applications for a Blue Badge can be made online, however the guidance advises that people with a mental condition need to contact their local council directly. It states: 'If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online. You should phone your local council's Blue Badge team for a paper application form.' The guidance also advises that those who do not automatically qualify for the Blue Badge scheme may need to have a mobility assessment and a meeting with a healthcare professional. It's also worth noting that there is no set processing time for new applications or Blue Badge renewals, but it can take around 12 weeks. Your local council processes Blue Badge applications and sets the price - they will also be able to advise on how long it might take. Below is a brief overview of the Blue Badge application process. Full details can be found on here. Blue Badge automatic qualification You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in Scotland if you: are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA get PIP and scored 8 points or more in the 'moving around' area of your assessment get PIP and scored 12 points in the 'planning and following a journey' area of your assessment get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed get ADP and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the moving around activity or 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment get War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability Other people who may qualify for a Blue Badge If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge in certain circumstances, if you: have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you're virtually unable to walk regularly drive and cannot use parking meters because of a severe disability in both arms are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys Where can I park with my Blue Badge? You can use your Blue Badge to park in certain restricted areas for free, including: at on-street parking meters in pay and display bays in disabled parking spaces on single and double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions Using your badge in other parts of the UK You can use your Blue Badge in most other countries. If you're using your Blue Badge in England or Wales you will need to use a parking clock - this comes with your Blue Badge. The Timer Clock is a plastic dial with hands that can be adjusted to show the time of parking arrival. What do I need to apply? Applications are made online to your local council and you'll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders - you can take this picture yourself. You will also need a photo or scan of your: proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence) proof of address such as a Council Tax bill or government letter - you can also choose to have your local council check the Electoral Register instead proof of benefits - if you get any You will also need to know: your National Insurance number the details of your current Blue Badge - if you're reapplying Once you apply, your local council will process your application and give you a decision.
ITV News
08-07-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Factory to open in Plymouth building underwater gliders which use AI technology
Defence technology company Helsing is set to open what it's calling the first UK Resilience Factory in Plymouth as part of a £350 million investment. The government says it will create high-value jobs and establish the city as a national centre for marine autonomy. Helsing's Plymouth facility at Langage will serve as an advanced manufacturing centre and also function as a national hub for developing underwater defence. They will be building SG-1 Fathom autonomous underwater gliders which are AI-powered systems designed for maritime surveillance and to help protect critical subsea infrastructure. Rebecca Smith MP said: "This is brilliant news for Plymouth and the wider South Hams area. Helsing's decision to open the UK's first Resilience Factory, within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport at Langage, will bring high-quality jobs, investment, and innovation to our community, securing Plymouth's position at the forefront of defence technology and marine autonomy. 'This is a real vote of confidence in our region's skills, capabilities and strategic importance. I will continue to champion this kind of investment that strengthens both our local economy and the UK's national resilience." Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: 'I'm really excited by this announcement today, having supported conversations between Helsing and Plymouth City Council, and constantly lobbying the government to do more around marine autonomy. 'I said that Plymouth becoming the new national centre of marine autonomy was fantastic news for our city, and this news proves exactly how. It means investment and it means jobs, and they are coming this year. 'We have so many incredible businesses in this industry already, but the more investment we can attract from others the better.'
Daily Mail
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Now British drone troops destined to aid Ukraine's war effort face new enemy: Health and safety!
British soldiers destined to aid Ukraine 's war effort are facing a fearsome foe closer to home – health and safety rules that hamper their training for drone warfare. Troops have been told to stop flying drones that weigh more than 250g (9oz) – the weight of a cucumber – over their comrades while training on Salisbury Plain, even if they are in heavily armoured tanks at the time. They have also been prevented from using signal-jamming equipment to stop drone pilots controlling the deadly devices due to fears it might interfere with satnavs and other gadgets used by residents near the Wiltshire site. It has prompted concerns that troops at the base will be under-prepared when dispatched to the Russian border to help Volodymyr Zelensky 's soldiers defend their homeland. Labour MP Fred Thomas, who sits on the Commons' Defence Committee, said: 'British soldiers who are deploying as part of a deterrence force to places like Estonia and eastern Europe are going out without the kind of training and capability that is completely bog-standard in warfare now, whether it is in the Middle East or in Ukraine.' 'They are taking steps to try to protect themselves by going online and buying kit to then tinker around with, to see if they can jam frequencies themselves,' he told the Financial Times. According to the newspaper, soldiers complained they had to make repeated requests to the Military Aviation Authority – part of the Ministry of Defence – for permission to fly a drone over a tank during a training exercise in March. This was despite the tank not having any personnel inside at the time. Rules are in place to stop the devices from being flown near airports, buildings or above members of the public. They were cited as the reason why soldiers had been prevented from practising electronic warfare, including using signals data to jam drones. But drones have become a crucial facet of modern warfare. Both Russian and Ukrainian troops jam radio control frequencies and video links between drones and pilots to down the devices. Last month Defence Secretary John Healey announced that Britain would send hundreds of thousands of drones to the Ukrainian frontline as part of a £450million aid package. The devices being supplied include 'first-person view' or FPV drones, to attack targets, and aerial devices, which can drop explosives on Russian positions. These types of drones are reported to be responsible for 60 to 70 per cent of damage caused to Russian equipment. But there are concerns that a lack of 'real-life' training will restrict British soldiers' ability when they reach the front-line. An MoD spokesman said: 'While operating within the UK, it's right that we balance safety with the need to train, innovate and operate new drone systems. To protect operational security and non-military environments, people would also expect us to ensure that electronic warfare capabilities have some restrictions.'
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Fury as British soldiers BANNED from flying drones over people in training due to health and safety rules
Troops had to file multiple requests just to fly a drone over an empty tank, soldiers told the House of Commons WORLD FLOOR 3 Fury as British soldiers BANNED from flying drones over people in training due to health and safety rules Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SOLDIERS have been banned from flying drones over people during training due to health and safety rules. The strict regulations mean troops may be ill-prepared for modern warfare, experts have warned. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Soldiers training on Salisbury Plain, Wilts, have been barred from flying pilotless aircraft weighing similar to a packet of biscuits over colleagues' heads — even if they are sitting in a tank. Troops had to file multiple requests just to fly a drone over an empty tank, soldiers told the House of Commons. Soldiers gearing up for possible conflict with Russia are also barred from using signal jammers or practising other electronic warfare in case they breach data collection rules by intercepting information or set off local residents' devices. Defence chiefs insist the rules are there to protect people. But MPs say the red tape is actually putting lives at risk. Labour MP Fred Thomas told the Financial Times: 'British soldiers who are deploying as part of a deterrence force to places like Estonia and eastern Europe are going without the kind of training and capability that is completely bog-standard in warfare now, whether it is in the Middle East or Ukraine.' Ukraine says drones account for up to 80 per cent of casualties. The Ministry of Defence admitted there are restrictions, but claimed data rules are not directly stopping training.
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Fury as British soldiers BANNED from flying drones over people in training due to health and safety rules
SOLDIERS have been banned from flying drones over people during training due to health and safety rules. The strict regulations mean troops may be ill-prepared for modern warfare, experts have warned. Advertisement Soldiers training on Troops had to file multiple requests just to fly a drone over an empty tank, soldiers told the House of Commons. Soldiers gearing up for possible conflict with Russia are also barred from using signal jammers or practising other electronic warfare in case they breach data collection rules by intercepting information or set off local residents' devices. Defence chiefs insist the rules are there to protect people. Advertisement Read More on UK News But MPs say the red tape is actually putting lives at risk. Labour MP Fred Thomas told the Financial Times: 'British soldiers who are deploying as part of a deterrence force to places like Estonia and eastern Europe are going without the kind of training and capability that is completely bog-standard in warfare now, whether it is in the Middle East or Ukraine.' Ukraine says drones account for up to The Ministry of Defence admitted there are restrictions, but claimed data rules are not directly stopping training. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive 1 Soldiers have been banned from flying drones over people during training due to health and safety rules Credit: Getty
