Delivering in Government: your weekly round up of good news Labour stories

It was a busy week for the Labour government.

While Westminster was consumed by debates about Brexit, there was plenty of tangible progress across government departments.

Here are the seven most exciting breakthroughs and announcements this week that you can use, whether you’re on the doorstep, sparring on social media, or debating in the pub.

1. Fining freeholders for ignoring unsafe cladding

Labour is legislating to make freeholders repair dangerous external walls.

Residents stuck waiting for repairs would get a safety net, because Homes England or councils could step in and do the work if owners keep failing.

Anyone who obstructs repairs could face criminal penalties, and owners who ignore a remediation order could be fined up to £500,000. The bill is expected to speed up repairs for around 12,000 residents.

2. Expanded police protection for public servants

Labour is extending dedicated police support to more political figures.

It will now cover peers, former MPs, party spokespeople, and leaders of parties who aren’t MPs, following the murder of Ann Widdecombe.

Separately, an independent review of protective security will test whether arrangements for ministers, MPs, and local representatives are fit for purpose.

3. £48 million for dementia research

Labour is launching a partnership to tackle one of the biggest barriers to dementia research.

The BARBARA Alliance will help to recruit more people into clinical studies to test promising new treatments. It’s a single platform that links health data, research, and trial capabilities, making it easier for people with dementia to join studies and for researchers to find them.

The programme will help speed up clinical trials and bring promising new treatments to patients faster.

£33 million comes from the government, with the rest from GSK, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Gates Ventures.

4. Protecting heating oil customers

Labour is moving to regulate suppliers for the first time.

Households that rely on heating oil should get clearer standards from their suppliers, and routes to compensation when things go wrong.

It follows a price spike earlier this year, when some suppliers cancelled orders and forced customers to re-order at a higher cost, leaving 1,700 households owed compensation. Industry practices that make some customers buy at least 500 litres will also be reviewed.

5. Freedom for migrants to leave abusive employers

Labour has changed the rules so recognised modern slavery victims who are migrants can leave exploitative jobs without losing their visa.

They’ll be able to take any other lawful job instead. Until now, victims who left an abusive sponsor risked losing both their immigration status and their income, because Skilled Worker visa holders can’t claim public funds.

The change covers care workers among others and is in force from 9 October. More than 6,600 sponsors have also lost their licence to hire overseas workers since Labour took office.

6. Faster brain cancer treatments

Labour is speeding up a review of the rules on medicines for rare conditions.

It’ll now happen within two years, rather than three as planned. Proposed rule changes as a result could mean patients get quicker access to promising new drugs.

It’s one of four steps announced after the PM met campaigner Archie Goodburn, who has inoperable brain cancer. The others include an expert review within three months, a national action plan, and a new national clinical lead.

7. £41 million to restore historic buildings

Labour is saving local landmarks from leaking roofs and crumbling stonework.

The first round of recipients of the funding has been announced. It’ll pay for repairs at 74 sites, from churches and synagogues to town halls and castles, including Birmingham Cathedral, Dover Castle, and Osborne on the Isle of Wight. 

Areas in greatest need are prioritised, where fundraising is hardest.

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