Author: Brian

Growing demand for pork could push global prices to record levels as the effect of African swine fever (ASF) in China is forecast to continue well into 2020. The latest ASF assessment by analysts at lender Rabobank suggests almost half of China’s herds will be lost as authorities struggle to control the disease. This will cause a 25% drop in productivity this year, with a further 10-15% drop in production likely in 2020, according to…

Scottish and Welsh farmers will be the main beneficiaries from an increase in government support for agriculture over the next two years. It follows a review by Lord Bew into how cash is allocated between the four UK countries. The UK budget for direct support will increase by £56.59m for 2020-2022 – with funding increased in Scotland and Wales and maintained in England and Northern Ireland. Prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed this would mean a…

The government plans to launch an accreditation scheme for online schools in a bid to regulate the growing market. Under the plans, such schools would volunteer for inspection against measures similar to the independent schools standards. Those who meet the grade would become accredited Department for Education (DfE) providers. Online schools are typically used by children educated at home or not in traditional settings because of parental choice, special educational needs or exclusion. The DfE…

In terms of health and care, there were two eye-catching numbers in the chancellor’s spending announcement – £6.2bn extra for the NHS and £1.5bn for social care in England – but neither is quite what it seems. The £6.2bn refers to the extra cash the front line of the NHS will receive next year as part of the five-year settlement announced a year ago by then Prime Minister Theresa May. And it takes the total available to…