You need a quota to produce or import hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – the most common type of fluorinated gas (F gas).

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It’s wonderful to be here in such august surrounds.

And it feels fitting that this house of historic international accord is the stage for another – and another of immense importance to us all.

Net-zero emissions

In November of last year, I was one of 50 Tory MPs who wrote to the Prime Minister and urged her to set a target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

We felt then as we do now – that that we could decarbonise through science, not economic sacrifice…

…That our method would not be hair-shirted self-denial, but innovation and investment driven by the right incentives.

Our past should give us confidence.

This country’s ingenuity has kept the UK at the forefront of science and engineering for hundreds of years.

And, provided we keep our ambitions high, we will lead the world for hundreds more.

And the goal of net zero emissions will inspire us all to great heights of achievement.

Entrepreneurs will see opportunities in new industries, and create jobs all around the UK.

And the new technologies they create will clean the air we breathe, and cut the bills in our homes.

In June this year, the government became the first major economy in the world to adopt the Net Zero 2050 target, which is fantastic news.

I was made a minister a month later and – while this is possibly slightly less momentous – I can assure you all I will do everything I can to make sure the government keeps its promise.

Why we’re here today

The danger, as ever, with targets that lie 30 years in the future is that they are pushed to the bottom of the pile by the concerns of today.

The trick, then, is to make constant, incremental progress – and celebrate it when it happens.

To make sure that we keep chipping away at our long-term ambitions.

That’s why today is so important.

CIIF

The Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund is in many ways emblematic of our approach to Net Zero.

Our philosophy isn’t that government can solve everything.

Of course, we have an important role to play – but we have to do it in partnership with the energy and expertise of the private sector.

Our approach is therefore to set up the right incentives and conditions, and then allow a powerful green market to flourish.

In this case, we wanted to encourage more people to buy and use electric vehicles, or EVs, which are far less polluting than traditional cars.

We set up grants for cars, taxis, vans and motorcycles.

But we realised that people looking at buying EVs were wary of getting marooned, without any battery in their car left and miles away from home or the nearest charging point.

And handouts wouldn’t cut it – we needed to unleash the power of the market.

So, with Zouk Capital, we set up the Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund as a catalyst, with government money matching any private capital that comes in to maximise impact.

And we were delighted that Masdar chose to invest £35 million in the fund – which the government topped up to £70 million – for the installation of 3,000 rapid chargers across the country.

This more than doubles the UK’s number of rapid chargers, producing a dense network of stopping points where family cars can be charged in 20 minutes flat – the time it takes for a sandwich and a coffee on the way to the seaside.

And, further, it shows Masdar’s continued participation in the UK’s clean energy commitments.

Masdar has invested more than £3 billion in the UK in the past ten years, predominantly in offshore wind.

It’s a pleasure to welcome Mohamed Al Ramahi here today for the signing ceremony and to talk more about how we can work together.

I hope you continue to discuss with my colleagues at the DIT to find strategic partnerships that work for both our countries.

Together, we’re showing that change is possible. And providing leadership to governments and private companies around the world that by working together, we can effect real change.

Thank you.

Vulnerable people across England received almost 13 million extra hours of home visits from social care workers last year as part of a £674 million government funding programme, new statistics show.

The Improved Better Care Fund (iBCF) works to connect the NHS and local council care services so people can manage their own health and wellbeing and live independently in their communities for as long as possible.

As well as increasing the number of home care hours, the funding provided in 2018 to 2019 also helped to support the social care market by enabling councils to increase the fees paid to social care providers by more than 4%.

This additional funding forms part of an additional £2 billion for councils to deliver adult social care from 2017 to 2020, announced at Spring Budget 2017.

Local Government Minister, Luke Hall MP, said:

Councils are on the frontline caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our society and we are determined to continue supporting them in this vital work.

We have listened to their feedback and I am delighted our funding has provided almost 13 million extra hours of care at home, improving people’s quality of life and giving them greater independence.

Minister for Care, Caroline Dinenage MP, said:

We are determined to ensure people are able to access good quality, compassionate care by better joining up councils and health services.

The Improved Better Care Fund has had a huge impact on local communities ensuring more of our most vulnerable in society are getting the help and support they need to stay living at home for longer and ensuring the local care market stays sustainable.

The Improved Better Care Fund is:

• helping to keep people living independently at home
• reducing delayed discharges across the social care system
• achieving closer working between the NHS and social care services

Health and Wellbeing Boards, which coordinate the provision of social care in 150 areas in England, reported progress from money spent to meet adult social care needs, reducing pressure on the NHS, and support the social care market.

The Boards have reported that this year’s funding has:

• paid for almost 75,000 extra home care packages (providing almost 13 million additional hours of home care)
• paid for over 15,500 additional care home placements
• enabled councils to increase fees paid to social care providers for home care, residential care and nursing care in 90% of Health and Wellbeing Board areas; resulting in home care fee rates increasing by 4.7%, residential by 4% and nursing home fee rates by 4.1% compared to 2017 to 2018
• helped to reduce pressures on the NHS by tackling delayed transfers of care – freeing up hospital beds – through supporting more people to be discharged from hospital when they are ready, with 122 projects last year

As announced at the Spending Round, next year local government will have access to an additional £1 billion grant for adults and children’s social care, on top of existing social care funding (which includes the iBCF).

This government is also consulting on a 2% precept which would give councils access to a further £500 million for adult social care next year.

Adult social care provides support for older people and working age adults with personal and practical care needs, as well as support for their carers.

In England, adults may be cared for informally by family, friends and neighbours, or formally through services they or their local authority pay for.

Publicly funded adult social care is means-tested and primarily funded through local government; those with eligible needs, assets of less than £23,250 and low incomes can receive help towards care and support costs.

Ministers previously confirmed the renewal of the Better Care Fund for 2019 to 2020.