New grant scheme vital in meeting ambitious carbon targets

A new Green Home Grant is essential if Government is serious about meeting new carbon targets, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has said. The comments come after the UK Government announced a new climate change target to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 based on 1990 levels. Prior to enshrining its net zero commitment in law, the UK had a target of reducing emissions by 80% by 2050, but the Government now aims to achieve almost the same level 15 years earlier.

Mark Bridgeman, President of the CLA which represents 28,000 farmers and land managers across England and Wales, said:- "More than 800,000 rural homes are heated by oil, and will need to transition to cleaner sources of power in coming years, such as heat pumps. But the Energy Saving Trust estimates that it costs ₤19,000 to install one pump, with the annual bill saving of using the technology just ₤20 a year. If Government does not help bring about a green transition for rural communities; which so often are 1st to suffer the impacts of climate change in this country; then we risk it never happening at all. We need a new Green Home Grant made available without delay. A new, reformed scheme, properly thought through and adapted to serve the whole country, is required if the Government is serious about embarking on a journey to net zero carbon emissions."

The new target will become enshrined in law by the end of June 2021.

New Assistant Director for Rail for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority announced

MAL Drury Rose has been appointed as Assistant Director for Rail for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (CA). Mal will join the Combined Authority, on 26 April 2021, bringing with him over 30 years of leadership and knowledge of the rail industry gained during his time with the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and rail operators.

With responsibility for the strategic leadership of the delivery of the organisation's 30 year Long Term Rail Strategy, Mal will take a lead role in driving key rail projects such as the new stations planned at:- Headbolt Lane, Baltic Triangle, upgrades at Lea Green Station, plus the development of the business case for Liverpool Central.

He will also play a pivotal role in taking forward the case for the direct new line to Liverpool City Centre as part of the emerging Northern Powerhouse Rail ambitions including building a new multi modal station in the City Centre in the longer term.

Mal responsibilities will also include ensuring the provision of an efficient rail service provision on the Merseyrail network, as a key part of the sub regional public transport offer for the residents and visitors to Liverpool City Region.

Looking forward to his role Mal said:- "I am delighted to join the team at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and to be a part of delivering its ambitious plans for rail. I'm a firm believer in collaboration and engagement and this role gives me an opportunity to use my extensive rail and transport experience to work with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to help deliver the ambitious rail and transport plans the Combined Authority has in place. By investing wisely in the transport network, we can continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the economic growth and social connectivity of the Liverpool City Region, especially as we recover from the Covid19 Pandemic. Attention will remain focussed on ensuring that the customer is at the heart of those plans, making it easier for more people to use the network while providing the very best services that local people rightly deserve."

Shane Fitzpatrick, Interim Director for Integrated Transport, said:- "We are very pleased to have secured such an experienced individual as Mal given the huge rail opportunities going forward and it reflects well on the attractiveness of the Combined Authority as a place of work. We are investing in rail services across the Region, from building new stations to improving access to current ones. Mal will play a key role in driving our priority projects and we're looking forward to working with Mal during this important time for Liverpool City Region."

Mal began his railway career at 17 as a passenger Guard and has led teams for over 20 years in the rail sector including senior positions with Virgin Trains, First Great Western, National Express and a period, at the Rail Delivery Group. As Head of Rail, at the Welsh Government, for 10 years, he was responsible for the Welsh Government's rail infrastructure programme and managed the Wales and Borders franchise contract formerly operated by Arriva. He was 1 of the 1st 3 Executive Directors for Transport for Wales during the procurement phase of the new rail service contract and successfully worked with the Department for Transport to reach principal agreement on the arrangements for the new Wales and Borders rail service contract. Mal was recently awarded Fellow of The Institution of Railway Operators (IRO) and is a Technical Member of The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). He has family links in Liverpool and will be based in the City. He will be taking over from Wayne Menzies who has announced his retirement following a long career in the rail industry.

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (Covid19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 2,396 cases and the total number now stand at:- 4,395,703 that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The total number of Covid19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:- 22 within 28 days of positive test, according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is:- 127,327, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 150,841.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 2,004. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 300 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 192.

In England, there are a total of:- 3,840,945 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 604,479 confirmed cases.

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

Area and number of confirmed cases:- Risen by:-
Liverpool City Region

Nation Lockdown

National UK Restrictions

► Liverpool, 48,402 confirmed cases.
5

► Halton, 11,922 confirmed cases. 1

► Knowsley, 17,352 confirmed cases. 3

► Sefton, 23,861 confirmed cases. 5

► St. Helens, 17,034 confirmed cases. 1

► Wirral, 24,243 confirmed cases.
10

Colour Key:- 0 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to 100 100 to 199 200 & over

Daily reported Covid19 deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the 1st laboratory confirmed positive Covid19 test. Daily and cumulative numbers of Covid19 patients admitted to Hospital. Data are not updated every day by all 4 nations and the figures are not comparable as Wales include suspected Covid19 patients while the other nations include only confirmed cases.

Total UK people who have received Vaccination

1st Dose 2nd Dose

33,139,742 10,425,790

Jab Stats correct as of:- 20 April 2021

The Vaccination programme began on 8 December 2020 with people receiving the Vaccine developed by Pfizer / BioNTech, and people began receiving the Oxford University / AstraZeneca Vaccine from 4 January 2021. Both Vaccine s are given as 2 doses, at lEast 21 days apart, for a full Vaccination course.