Tag your tap to prevent a water emergency this winter

NORTH West England households are being urged to tag their stop tap this winter as part of the Met Office's WeatherReady campaign.

As households up and down the country are getting ready for Christmas, they are being encouraged to write the details of a WaterSafe-approved emergency plumber on a spare Christmas gift tag and attach it to their property's stop tap.

Knowing where your stop tap is and how to turn your water supplies off could help prevent flooding and damage if a pipe freezes or bursts and having the number of a qualified and insured plumber to hand could save the day in an emergency.

Only 47% of North West England households currently know how to find and use their stop tap to turn the water off in case of a burst pipe, according to research by the national register of approved plumbers WaterSafe. It's often found under the kitchen sink, but could also be in a:- kitchen cupboard, bathroom, or garage.

Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, said:- "Our research shows that not only do only less than � of North West England residents know how to find and use their stop tap, but 17% of residents have had a burst pipe in the past, so it's a real risk in wintry weather. Pipes freezing and bursting can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses, but taking simple steps such as knowing where your stop tap is can limit any damage. Writing the details of a local WaterSafe-approved plumber on a gift tag and attaching it to the stop tap means people will be able to isolate their water supply and know who to contact should they experience a problem with their property's plumbing. We'd also encourage people to insulate outside pipes and taps, as well as any pipes in unheated areas of the home such as the loft."

Met Office Head of Warnings Chris Walsh said:- "Winters in the UK usually include a wide variety of weather and this winter looks likely to be no exception. To keep on top of the weather conditions it's important to stay up to date with the forecast and National Severe Weather Warnings in your area. There are simple and cost-effective things everyone can do to prepare for any severe winter weather. Including plenty of useful and creative weather hacks out there that can help people to avoid disruption and make the most of winter weather."

For further advice on winter proofing your plumbing, or to find an approved plumber, visit:- WaterSafe.Org.UK.

Liverpool City Region Investment Zone funding to be doubled to �160m

FUNDING for Liverpool City Region's Life Science Investment Zone is to be doubled to �160m and its benefits extended from 5 to 10 years, under revised plans to be discussed by the Combined Authority.

The Investment Zone is due to start operating in spring next year and is expected to double employment in the life science sector, creating more than 4,000 new jobs by 2030.

At least �320m of direct private sector match funding has already been identified as part of the initial phase and that figure is expected to rise significantly as a result of the increased Government funding; offering even greater potential to transform the Region.

At a meeting members will be updated on the Investment Zone proposals that will support a 10-year programme aimed at solidifying the city Region's global reputation as a leader in life sciences.

They will be told how the zone will leverage significant private sector investment, catapulting the growth of many small and medium sized businesses, supporting world-leading innovation and creating skilled job opportunities for the Region's residents.

The Investment Zone plans have been drawn up in collaboration with the city Region's local authorities, the Government and public and private stakeholders within the life science sector.

High quality projects have been identified across the city Region, with the University of Liverpool set to invest �200m in the Investment Zone over the next 10 years; as its ambitious Health and Life Science Campus developments become an integral part of the plan.

The detailed proposals are currently passing through the fourth of 5 Government Gateway stages. The final stage is expected to complete by the end of December after which a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed with the Government and a start date set for April 2024.

Combined Authority Portfolio Holder for Digital and Innovation Cllr Paul Stuart said:- "We are determined to drive innovation to help build a stronger, cleaner and fairer city Region. The creation of the Investment Zone provides a huge opportunity to build on our world-leading strengths in health and life sciences to create well-paid jobs and attract hundreds of millions of pounds of investment, making a difference to our communities and the world."

Liverpool City Region is 1 of 12 UK areas selected for Investment Zone status; and is 1 of only 3 that will also benefit from Freeport status.

Each Region was selected because it has existing assets, capabilities and strengths which can be used to address deep-rooted or unmet productivity potential.

The Investment Zone funding will support a range of initiatives from developing sites and infrastructure to support for business and innovation, skills and inward investment.

Some locations will offer tax exemptions to businesses, and local authorities will be allowed to keep and reinvest 100% of business rates in newly occupied premises at specific Investment Zone sites.

Benefits from the Investment Zone are expected to extend beyond the life science sector through the social value created by the range of projects.

Liverpool City Region's Life Science Investment Zone status was formally announced in July 2023 during a Ministerial visit to Speke based biomanufacturing company TriRX.

The Chancellor announced the extension of the scheme in last month's Autumn Statement; including the doubling of Government funding to �160m.

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Tag your tap to prevent a water emergency this winter

Liverpool City Region Investment Zone funding to be doubled to �160m