Majority of North West parents with privately education children planning to leave UK

67% of parents in the North West with privately educated children are planning to leave the UK; in hope of a better lifestyle.

A poll of mums and dads with youngsters at independent schools in the North West found over a quarter (27 per cent) think they will move abroad at some point, with 11 per cent to do so within the next 2 years.

Of those, 6% said they'd relocate in order to avoid paying the VAT on private education fees, which was announced within the budget in October and came into force this year.

Despite 67% of those thinking of moving already doing so prior to the tax news, 47% of them admitted it was the push they needed to actively start planning to leave.

67% of parents in the North West cited a generally better lifestyle as the top reason to escape the UK, as well as a better future for their child (56%) and job opportunities (33%).

Improved wages (17%), housing (33%) and healthcare (22%) were also motivations.

Some parents in the North West have actively started looking at properties (61%), jobs (33%) and schools (33%).

When thinking of leaving the UK, 11 per cent said their child's schooling is their number 1 priority.

Lisa Crausby OBE, group chief education Officer at GEMS Education, which commissioned the research, said:- "The report shows that, for many families, moving away from the UK could become a reality in the near future. It is interesting to note that education; leading to a better future and job opportunities; is 1 of the key factors influencing this decision to move abroad. Today, it is easier than ever for expat families to find high-quality schools that teach the National Curriculum for England in all parts of the world. We are seeing this trend reflected at GEMS Education, where we have already recorded an 8 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of British families enrolled in our 44 UAE schools, as well as a 26 per cent year-on-year rise in enquiries from the UK."

Council Announces Intention to Appoint Nursing Provider for 2 Liverpool Care Homes

CORPORATE Director for Adult Social Care, Health and Homelessness, Anne Marie Lubanski said:- "The health and wellbeing of our residents and their families is at the heart of everything we do. We understand how important it is that people feel supported and reassured during this time of change. That's why we're committed to working together to ensure the best possible care is in place, both now and in the future. This decision follows a thorough and careful process, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the organisations who submitted applications to support the care of our residents. In particular, I want to thank Mersey Care for their commitment and compassion in supporting Millvina and Brushwood. Their contribution has been deeply valued, and we are truly grateful for the care they have provided."

GMB says:- "Sellafield Nuclear waste must be used not buried"

NUCLEAR waste from the Sellafield site must be used, rather than buried in the ground, GMB Union has said. The Cumbrian site has 1 of the world's largest stockpiles of plutonium and the Government's plan is to make it safe, then bury it in the ground.

GMB Union met Lord Hunt, a Minister in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, is calling for his department to explore its potential role in the UK's energy future.

Dan Gow, GMB Senior Organiser, said:- "Sellafield workers keep this country safe and deserve better than broken promises and short-sighted policies. Plutonium is a national asset, not a liability. Any decision about Sellafield must involve genuine consultation with workers. Time and again, promises of engagement have not been kept and that has eroded trust. West Cumbria has carried the burden of hosting Sellafield for decades, and its people deserve investment, job security, and a clear long term vision for the site. The Government must listen to the workforce, invest in the Region and ensure safety and job security are non-negotiable."

Liverpool's Labour MPs slammed for voting down Lib Dem amendment to exempt GPs and Care Homes from:- "health tax"

LABOUR'S Liverpool MPs have been slammed for voting down a Lib Dem amendment which would have exempted health and care providers from the proposed rise in employers national insurance, set to come into force on:- 6 April 2025.

As a result of the Government's decision, local Care Homes, pharmacies, GPs and dentists face a national insurance tax hike despite the health service already being in crisis and many of these providers already on the brink of bankruptcy.

Liverpool Lib Dems said that Labour MPs had voted to burden GPs, Care Homes and pharmacies in Liverpool with a:- "health tax" and far from fixing local health services, they were risked adding to already immense pressures.

Local Lib Dems called on the Chancellor to U-turn on this:- "disastrous" policy at the Spring Statement next week so patients don't have to pay the price of fewer health and care services.

Liberal Democrat Leader for Liverpool, Cllr Carl Cashman said:- "Labour MP have voted to hit GPs, pharmacies and Care Homes in Liverpool with a health tax and it is patients in our area who will pay the price. After years of beyond shameful Conservative neglect, health services in our area are at breaking point with many suffering on endless waiting lists. Now the Labour Government risks adding to those pressures. This disastrous jobs tax means that on April 6th many GP surgeries and care providers will be hit with bills they simply cannot afford leaving our community without the care we deserve and many more suffering through awful pain. At the Spring Statement next week the Chancellor needs to see sense and reverse this health tax by exempting health and care providers from this foolish policy."

The text of the amendment can be downloaded from:- Publications.Parliament.UK (found on page 1).