Latest news with #NorthEngland
BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
North-South divide for older people 'reversible'
Older people in the North of England are more likely to be poorer, less healthy, physically inactive, lonely and live in poor housing, according to a new Ageing in the North study, from the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), said those in the north faced an "alarming" range of disadvantages compared to older people living in the Prof Alan Walker, from the University of Sheffield, said while the North-South divide was "hardly new" the NHSA believed it was "totally reversible" and called on the government to "prioritise tackling the root causes of unequal ageing".The BBC has approached the Department of Health and Social Care for a comment. Prof Walker, from the university's Healthy Lifespan Institute, said: "This report paints an alarming picture of how inequality has eaten away at the quality of life of so many older northerners. "In almost every aspect we investigated, there is a yawning gap between the North and the South - from their income and health to their housing, social care and sense of isolation."This gap is hardly new, but the most frustrating thing about it is that it is totally reversible - assuming that policymakers are willing to take decisive steps to address these issues, and provide a better life for our family members, friends, and neighbours as they age."The report found that across the North there were more than 900,000 economically inactive 50-64 year olds, contributing to a potential reduction in GDP of £10.9bn per the other findings, it said: People in the South are more likely to retire, while people in the North are more likely to leave the job market because of poor healthBetween 2012 and 2022 the rate of poverty among over 65s in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber rose by 10%Northern adults over 65 are 27% more likely to experience food insecurity than those in the South1.47m northern homes are considered "non-decent", with over a third housing residents over 60The North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber were home to he highest proportion of people aged 65 and over living in care homes Co-authored by a team from the University of Sheffield, Durham University, Lancaster University, The University of Manchester and Newcastle University and Health Equity North, the NHSA report urged the government to look at "reversing the widening inequality gap between North and South".Amongst other recommendations, the team suggested:A cross-government approach to prevent unequal ageing, looking at education, housing, employment and healthStrengthening collaboration between local government, combined authorities, housing developers, and the NHSDeveloping a national housing strategy for older people and creating age-friendly, accessible homes Shipley MP Anna Dixon, who wrote the foreword to the report, said: "Where you live shouldn't affect your experience of ageing."This report brings into sharp focus the reality of how unequal ageing is across England."Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Telegraph
17-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Scotland's rubbish is England's only reward
What does the rest of the UK get in return for the 'Union dividend' – currently totalling £52 billion – the sum that Scotland receives from the UK taxpayers to help persuade it to remain part of Britain? Around 100 truckloads of rubbish to be dumped at various landfill sites throughout the North of England seems a likely answer. Despite the extra cash received by the SNP government being arguably a fair old 'bung' – the product of the four decades-old Barnett formula – the payback is shaping up to be many thousands of black bags, including commercial waste, to be sent to the likes of Cumbria and Northumberland because of SNP incompetence or arrogance. They're to be heading south because the Scottish Government does not want its green and pleasant acres spoiled by any more rubbish being buried at landfill sites north of the border after December 31. We are not talking here about just the odd black bag. One waste expert told BBC Scotland that it would require between 80 and 100 trucks running seven days per week to move up to 600,000 tons to English landfills. The only real alternative to landfill is incineration, but SNP ministers have halted the building of any more incinerators because they can't afford them, even if they're receiving what's been described as a record £52 billion 'war chest' for use in the Scottish Parliament election campaign next May. I suspect the public will find that a hard one to swallow. Energy minister Gillian Martin blamed inflation and higher material costs for the hold-up in building new incinerators, but she also cited 'outside factors' for the delay – usual SNP code to signal that the government in London is to blame. And Ms Martin didn't apologise for the fact that the lack of incinerators might last another three years, saying that getting rid of landfill sites in Scotland 'far outweighs' any downsides that might arise from sending the rubbish over the border. But as any fair-minded person might ask: who will pick up the bills? In financial terms it is Scottish business leaders who will have to pay for the trucking of their commercial waste to landfill sites in England. And in environmental terms, I can't imagine that the northern English will be overjoyed at receiving all of this Scottish muck. The whole project is an example of nationalist insensitivity at best or arrogance at worst. Many Scots are too ready to see insults – real or imagined – in the words and actions of the English yet refuse to take care when it comes to their southern neighbours' feelings. Speaking as a Scot I was pleased to see criticism of this stupid affair emanating from most parts of the political spectrum. The Lib Dems' Liam McArthur, who is the party's climate spokesman, accused the SNP of planning to make England 'their dumping ground for waste'. The Tories' Douglas Lumsden said there should be 'red faces all round among SNP ministers at this news'. I doubt if he'll get his wish, because of that other piece of embarrassing news – regarding the Scottish headteacher who banned pupils from bringing Union flags to school as they were deemed to be potentially offensive or sectarian. The flags had been brought to school for a special end of term event and the head's action in effectively banning the United Kingdom's flag provoked a storm of criticism, after she had told pupils that their action had been 'contrary to the school's values of respect and kindness.' The local council, East Renfrewshire, has issued an apology, but that hasn't prevented Jackson Carlaw, a local MSP and former Scottish Tory leader, from saying that to equate the Union flag with sectarianism was 'totally unacceptable and deeply offensive'. There has been no response from the SNP on this issue but then anyone who knows anything about the party will know that a large proportion of its members and supporters hate the Union flag; indeed many call it 'the butcher's apron'. Following his humiliating loss to Labour in the recent by-election, First Minister John Swinney has sought to keep his troops happy with yet another speech promising that he'd fight for independence. However when it comes to flags, as well as black bags, it seems his party is determined to get nothing right.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Armstrong Watson secures eight-figure funding from HSBC UK
Armstrong Watson, a UK-based accountancy firm, has secured an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK. The firm will use the funding to drive its expansion across the North of England and Scotland. Based in Carlisle, Armstrong Watson operates 19 offices in locations including Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Kendal, and Glasgow. The organisation currently employs more than 800 individuals and is set to strengthen its footprint in the area. Armstrong Watson managing partner and chief executive Paul Dickson said: 'We're committed to helping our clients grow with confidence, secure their futures and enjoy peace of mind through every stage of their journey. 'Our latest acquisition in Glasgow is a fantastic milestone, and with HSBC UK's support we're also embracing the future through digital innovation and further expansion. 'The team at HSBC UK have taken the time to understand our business and ambitions, providing flexible, practical funding that enables us to deliver on our strategy.' The investment will support both organic growth and further acquisitions, with Armstrong Watson planning at least four additional takeovers in the coming years, according to local media reports. The firm recently acquired a Glasgow-based accountancy practice, strengthening its specialist advisory services in Scotland. HSBC UK relationship director Ben Foster said: 'Armstrong Watson is a forward-thinking firm with deep regional roots and a clear growth vision. Our funding will allow them to invest in their people, technology and acquisitions. 'We're proud to support their continued evolution as they deliver real impact for clients across the North of England and Scotland.' The funding will also enable Armstrong Watson to invest in AI and digital technology to create a modern, 'future-facing' working environment, according to Bdaily Business. "Armstrong Watson secures eight-figure funding from HSBC UK" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Faisal Islam: This is not a quick fix but that's the point
Rachel Reeves's key choice in this Spending Review is to prioritise long-term investment over day-to-day spending. Within that, some cash will be routed to the Midlands and the North of England rather than against tight limits on day-to-day spending, the chancellor chose to funnel funding towards are important strategic reprioritisations. The key judgements are longer will not be riding on these railways, or getting energy from new nuclear plants in this Parliament. It will take a few years to see the inside of a newly-subsidised social house. There are no quick fixes to many years of Reeves this was the culmination of a planned strategy from the important technical changes she made to her borrowing rules at last year's existence of this extra £113bn capital spending arises from that decision, and it is borrowed money. Seven ways the Spending Review affects youWhat has the chancellor has announced? The key pointsWatch: Where the money is being spent All of this has added to the pressure on day-to-day spending in the final years of the of those spending settlements look very tight indeed set against growing expectations and demands in education and local councils.A return to a reasonable rate of economic growth is not just the aim of these plans, it is required to make them credibly add up in later pattern of spending appears to suggest a hope or an expectation that the numbers will be replenished later, assuming that growth will pick that will require not just effective and efficient government spending on these major long-term projects, but sufficient confidence and vision to get the private sector to pour its money into similar this will not instantly transform the country, the state of roads, hospitals and schools, or the provision of services within them. But with a still healthy parliamentary majority, the chancellor has some is a pathway here to a more balanced, sustainably-growing economy. Indeed, faster growth will be needed to make the Budget numbers add up.
Telegraph
10-06-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
‘If I die, it's your fault': Life as a GP receptionist in Britain's broken health system
I could see the white foam at the edge of his mouth. As he ranted, his face was red and his teeth were clenched and he was moving closer to the partition. Genuinely, he looked like a cartoon character, like when they get consumed with rage. As a GP's receptionist, I'm not easily intimidated, but he terrified me. I hit the panic button under the desk. This was a guy who'd phoned the surgery that morning to ask for his fit note to be extended. I didn't have an appointment to give him that day. When I'd said it would need to be tomorrow, the abuse had started. 'You have no right to tell me I'm not getting my note,' he said, calling me horrible, horrible names down the line. Then he said: 'Just you wait, I'm going to come down and see you shortly,' and hung up the phone. I didn't really think anything of it because you get those threats sometimes – I'd say five or six times every single day, I'm called a name or sworn at. F---ing b---- is a favourite, or the C-word. But something in his voice made me and my colleague lock the door to our office, just in case. Then the gentleman appeared at the desk. I think if that door hadn't been locked it could have been a very different scenario. Thankfully the police came quickly, but I was shaking for the rest of the day. 'I've had to develop a thick skin' I work in a relatively small practice in the north of the UK with little over 5,000 patients. Since the pandemic, the demand for appointments has probably doubled, I'd say, and with it the abuse we get on the front desk. I've had to hit the panic button only twice before, but I've had to develop a pretty thick skin to the daily verbal abuse. On reception we are the front line. I don't like the C-word but I was more sensitive when I started. Now, the regular name-calling, it just bounces off. What I don't like are the threats. My colleague got told recently when she couldn't give an appointment: 'F--- off, I might be dead next week and it'll be your fault.' I've had that a few times. I had it on a Friday afternoon when a patient wanted to see the doctor to arrange medication, but it wasn't urgent. They said: 'Well, if I die, it's your fault.' And I thought, why say that to somebody? I've got to go home at the end of the day, I'm a person as well. I wouldn't dream of saying that to anybody. Your stomach kind of does somersaults and it stays with you. It stayed with me all that weekend when I was trying to spend time with the kids. Your tolerance builds up but some days, it can cut deep, and I think to myself, 'I'm only trying to help you.' My husband knows nine times out of 10 just by looking at me when I come in whether it's got to me. He'll say to the kids, 'Just give Mum half an hour to de-stress.' I'll go to the bedroom and shower, put my comfies on, usually it'll take just 40 minutes and I'm all right after that, but I have also sat down with him and cried. I'd say a lot of the increased demand we face is driven by the need for fit notes now, and a lot of the abuse, too. Generally people want them for mental health, or for a bad back, a bad hip, either because they can't work, or need to claim benefits. The number of fit notes our doctors do on a weekly basis is ridiculous. On a Monday, we'll get 25 or 30 calls for them to be reviewed, then it's 20 or 25 every day for the rest of the week, and we're a relatively small surgery. 'Monday morning is like going into battle' The other thing that often angers people is when I ask what their problem is. I don't need all the details, I'm only asking to check whether it's an emergency, or if they need to see the nurse, or the physiotherapist, rather than the doctor. It goes 50-50 – patients tell you far too much, or they really don't like it, and those people can become abusive. The other day, I was told I was a 'f---ing nosy b----'. I didn't argue. It can be well worthwhile asking. I had someone the other week demanding an emergency GP appointment and they had a verruca. They were signposted to the pharmacy but weren't happy. A Monday morning does feel like going into battle, needing to get your armour on. I usually get in for 6.40am to get on top of emails and prepare. Receptionists have a lot of admin too; I'll have 100 doctor letters to read on a Monday alone, usually 400 in a week. There'll be three of us across three phones and I'll say to the others just before 8am, 'I don't want to press the button.' It's like, what are we going to get today? Then it's constant for an hour across the three phones, and on one for the rest of the day. I have every sympathy when people are struggling to make appointments, I really do. I want to give them; I want to treat people like I would my own grandfather. When I phone my own surgery, I face the same issues. We genuinely need more GPs – actually, we need a new building; it doesn't have space for more. On a Monday morning, appointments will be gone in 30 minutes, and waits for routine issues can be two weeks. I know it's normal for people to get particularly agitated when they're in pain or anxious, too. If I have somebody on the phone who is obviously unwell, they will get dealt with that day. I know that if it's someone who doesn't come to us very often and they obviously felt they were ill enough to phone, they need to see a doctor. We do get the frequent fliers, though. The people who phone us every second day, where it's almost like a hobby. And they always seem to get through first, I don't know how they do it. But I get too that people are suffering more health anxiety. That seems to have been worse since Covid. I honestly love my job, which I realise sounds surprising. I've been doing it for the best part of a decade and have a great relationship with so many of our regular patients. I'll go above and beyond for them. I've delivered prescriptions to people who can't get out. You get emotionally attached; I've been to patients' funerals before. Sometimes, when I can see that the carer of an ill patient needs to talk, I'll bring them into the office and allow them to let out how they're feeling so they can go back with their game face on. Reading a doctor's letter and realising a patient has cancer is very, very hard. All the same, I can't produce appointments from nowhere. I get people's frustrations, I do, but my colleagues and I do genuinely want to help. And we're only the people on the front desk. As told to Emily Retter
