Office for Equality and Opportunity · Original source
Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson hosted the first roundtable of the government’s new Class Unit, bringing together experts, community leaders and people with lived experience. Initial priorities include unequal outcomes in public services such as maternal health, fairer access to good jobs, and tackling child poverty and geographic deprivation. Phillipson said class stigma, stereotypes and disadvantages must be confronted head on.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport · Original source
The UK Government has placed a temporary export bar on an 18th-century bust of Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince, by Flemish sculptor Michael Rysbrack, created around 1735. The deferral gives UK museums, galleries or private buyers time to raise funds to acquire it for the nation. Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said the sculpture still shapes how the medieval commander is imagined.
National Housing Bank and Homes England · Original source
Homes England’s National Housing Bank and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have signed an agreement that could unlock up to £500 million for new homes and mixed-use regeneration. Described as the first deal of its kind in England, it allows investment alongside the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund, launched a year ago. Each project must fit the bank’s mandate and pass its standard due diligence and approval processes.
