Five great things from our Labour Government this February

Warm Homes Plan to cut bills and upgrade the nation’s homes

Families across the country will see lower energy bills as a result of the government’s comprehensive plan to upgrade the nation’s homes.

The Warm Homes Plan will deliver £15 billion of public investment, roll out upgrades to up to 5 million homes that could save them hundreds on energy bills and help to lift up to a million families out of fuel poverty by 2030.

Low-income households could receive fully funded installations of solar panels and a battery, to the full average cost (currently £9,000-£12,000).

For everyone, a government-backed, zero and low interest loans programme will get solar panels onto the nation’s rooftops. New rules that mean every new home will come with solar panels by default. This will triple the number of homes with solar panels on their rooftops by 2030. And anyone who wants to get a heat pump can access a £7,500 universal grant, plus the first ever offer for ‘air-to-air heat pumps’ that can also cool homes in the summer.

Ending the postcode lottery in cancer care

People living in rural and coastal communities will find it easier to see a cancer specialist as part of plans to tackle the current postcode lottery.  

The most deprived parts of the country often have fewer cancer consultants, leaving patients waiting longer for vital care. These same areas face the highest rates of economic inactivity, with long waits for diagnosis and treatment keeping people out of work and holding back local economies.

To fix this, the government will introduce new training places targeted at trusts with the biggest workforce gaps – prioritising rural and coastal areas where patients currently struggle most.

£1.5 billion invested in cultural organisations to restore national pride

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced that £1.5 billion will be invested to save more than 1000 cherished arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings across England from closure. The move will open up access to culture for everyone, everywhere.

This cash boost will help restore national pride in community assets, bring people together and support no or low-cost options for days out as part of the government’s drive to support families with the cost of living.

£6 million repaid to workers as Government cracks down on employers

Almost 500 employers who failed to pay the minimum wage have been named as the Government takes direct action to Make Work Pay.

Around 42,000 workers have been repaid by their employers, including well-known high street brands, with employers receiving fines totalling £10.2 million for breaking the rules.

This strong enforcement doesn’t just protect workers; it protects those businesses who do right by their staff from being undercut. By taking swift action against these employers, the Government is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate those who short-change their workers, regardless of their size or sector.

Millions in water company fines to fund cleanup projects

Water companies who broke environmental rules are now funding the recovery of England’s waterways, as local communities and environmental groups are being put in the driving seat to clean up rivers, lakes and seas.

The government is reinvesting £29 million from water company fines into local projects which clean up our environment – funding over 100 projects which will improve 450km of rivers, restore 650 acres of natural habitats and plant 100,000 new trees.