New paper reveals lack of detailed evidence on intimate partner violence among men and boys

Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime in Northern Ireland, Geraldine Hanna.

A major new review has laid bare for the first time the lack of detailed study and understanding of intimate partner violence (IPV) against men and boys and the impact on their mental health in Northern Ireland.

Commissioned by the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime in Northern Ireland, the rapid review was conducted by Dr Emily McGlinchey, Dr Eric Spikol and Professor Chérie Armour from Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Psychology and Stress Trauma and Related Conditions Research Centre (STARC).

The piece of research involved examining 67 global studies of IPV experience and mental health outcomes. However, evidence for the UK is scarce and inconsistent, meaning there is a lack of data to help public sector agencies design services as best they can to support male victims of IPV.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as any act of “physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression (including coercive tactics) by a current or former intimate partner.”

The report identifies six recommended research priorities which include:

• Addressing the dearth of research in Northern Ireland, and the UK more broadly, concerning males IPV experiences and mental health outcomes.

• Identifying the true extent and range of IPV experiences among males in NI.

• Identifying the mental health impacts of IPV experiences among men and boys in NI.

• Increasing understanding on suicidality as an outcome for males who have experienced IPV.

• Identifying if IPV experiences and mental health outcomes differ by subgroups and if certain sub-populations of males at a greater risk.

• Understanding stigma and perceptions of IPV among men and boys in NI.

Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime in Northern Ireland Geraldine Hanna said:

“This report is a welcome first stepping stone as we move towards a wider and broader understanding of intimate partner violence against men and boys in Northern Ireland and the impact it can have on their mental health. Sadly and concerningly, there is a real dearth of empirical data and understanding about IPV against males in Northern Ireland. Without a proper understanding of the scale, extent and impact of the issue, we cannot accurately deliver and design supports or services appropriately.

“The issue of IPV among men and boys remains understudied and poorly understood, as this report by Queen’s University Belfast has shown. Of the 67 studies which were included in this review, only 8 were UK based and none were conducted within NI. Without a solid evidence base to interrogate these issues, we don’t know with any certainty if current service provision meets the reality of the support needs.

“If we are serious about supporting male victims of IPV and designing services which accurately and appropriately support men and boys, a strong and reliable evidence base is a crucial first step in achieving this. This includes obtaining an understanding of the wide range of mental health impacts which are associated with victims of IPV, understanding perceptions and stigma associated with IPV, and how IPV affects different groups of men in different ways.”

Dr Emily McGlinchey, Research Centre for Stress, Trauma, & Related Conditions, Queen’s University Belfast, added:

“This study from the School of Psychology and Stress Trauma and Related Conditions Research Centre at Queen’s University Belfast is a timely and significant piece of work. Our research has found that the available evidence on IPV among males in the UK, and especially in Northern Ireland, is scarce and inconsistent. Without a strong evidence base, we know very little about the extent to which males experience IPV, what those experiences look like, and consequently what the mental health impacts are.

“We hope that this report will act as a call to action for all stakeholders involved in the victims sector to coalesce their efforts to understand the extent and nature of IPV more fully among males and will be the first step towards creating and designing services which are adequately matched to the reality of the need.”

Foyle Port backs major Northern Ireland trade mission to Westminster

Deputy Irish Ambassador to the UK Fiona Flood, and Foyle Port Chief Development Officer Ian Luney

Foyle Port have backed a major delegation of Northern Irish business leaders to the House of Commons and Irish Embassy in London this week. The Port was a key sponsor at this year’s Trade NI trade mission to Westminster.

Trade NI, an amalgamation of Northern Ireland’s three largest trade bodies – Hospitality Ulster, Manufacturing Northern Ireland, and Retail Northern Ireland – published a major economic paper on the future of Northern Ireland’s economy to a reception of over 200 business leaders, over 60 embassies, government ministers, MPs, and policy makers at an event in Westminster on 23 May.

There was also a reception at the Irish Embassy in London that evening hosted by Irish Ambassador to the UK Martin Fraser, sponsored by Foyle Port.

‘A Place Transformed: Prosperity for All’, produced by accountancy and business advisory consultancy BDO, focuses on the economic transformation of Northern Ireland since 1998.  It also examines local industries, businesses, and high streets have been boosted by peace, prosperity, and greater stability. The report identifies key strengths of the Northern Irish economy currently and how these can be leveraged to deliver greater economic growth and prosperity in future decades for local communities and businesses.

Foyle Port Chief Development Officer Ian Luney said:

“Foyle Port is proud to have supported this year’s Trade NI delegation to Westminster. The trade mission comes at a particularly crucial time for Northern Ireland. 25 years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and now operating in a post-Brexit environment, there are opportunities and challenges for this region. However, Northern Ireland remains an attractive investment prospect for global businesses and organisations. The delegation to the House of Commons and the Irish Embassy this week was about getting this message out to key decision makers across the UK and Ireland.

“Foyle Port is an organisation which thrives on strong relations across these islands, north and south as well as east and west. Engagements like this are vital in fostering and strengthening important relationships and ensuring that we continue to position Northern Ireland and the North West as a place to invest, visit, work, and live.”

Foyle Port is a UK Trust Port and is the key marine gateway to the North West of the island of Ireland for commerce and tourism.

Major prospectus for economic growth launched in Westminster by Trade NI

(L-R) Colin Neill, Hospitality Ulster; Stephen Kelly, Manufacturing NI; Glyn Roberts, Retail NI; and Chris Heaton-Harris, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. 

A major new economic report published today seeks to provide a blueprint for economic growth and prosperity in Northern Ireland over the next 10 years and beyond.

Trade NI, an alliance of three of Northern Ireland’s largest trade bodies – Hospitality Ulster, Manufacturing Northern Ireland, and Retail Northern Ireland – launched the paper to a reception of over 200 business leaders, senior cabinet ministers, over 65 embassies, 80 MPs, and policy makers at an event on the House of Commons Terrace this afternoon.

There will also be a reception at the Irish Embassy in London later this evening hosted by Irish Ambassador to the UK Martin Fraser.

Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris MP and Shadow Secretary of State Peter Kyle MP were among the senior frontbench MPs delivering keynote speeches at the event in Westminster.

‘A Region Transformed and Creating Prosperity For All: The Prosperity Dividend’, produced by accountancy and business advisory consultancy BDO NI, focuses on the economic transformation of Northern Ireland since 1998.  It examines how local industries, businesses, and high streets have been boosted by peace, prosperity, and greater stability. The report identifies key strengths of the Northern Irish economy and how these can be leveraged to deliver greater economic growth and prosperity in future decades for local communities and businesses.

The day of engagement is sponsored by BDO, Danske Bank, DWF Law, Heathrow Airport, and Foyle Port. The Westminster reception is hosted by North Down MP and Alliance deputy leader, Dr Stephen Farry.

Recommendations in the major economic paper include:

• Creation of pathways to ensure our businesses have the people they need to deliver for customers, consumers and our economic opportunity.

• More investment in our Universities and Further Education Colleges to increase the number of places and stop the ‘brain drain’ from Northern Ireland.

• Giving businesses access to its Apprenticeship Levy money and establishing Northern Ireland as a pilot area for a “Skills Tax Credit” scheme to rapidly skill up industries and establish a new funding stream for public and private sector training.

• Public Sector reform to reverse the region’s historic dependency on this sector and to capitalise on the potential of the current Public Sector workforce across the Private Sector instead.

• A commitment that UK economic levers, whether that be in support for decarbonisation, childcare or economic zones reaches Northern Ireland, its businesses and communities.

• Enhanced ground and air connectivity, abolishment of Air Passenger Duty and reduce hospitality & tourism VAT to make the region more accessible and attractive for both commerce and tourism.

• Capitalising on our unique dual-market access trading position.

• Overhauling the planning process to enable economic growth.

• The creation of multifunction hubs incorporating businesses, libraries, community services, healthcare, education, homes and sporting facilities.

In a joint statement, the representatives of Trade NI, Glyn Roberts (Retail NI), Colin Neill (Hospitality Ulster) and Stephen Kelly (Manufacturing NI) said:

“This is a blueprint for economic growth and prosperity for Northern Ireland. While it also looks back and recognises how far we have come over the past 25 years, our document is about a path to greater economic success over the next decade and beyond. We want Northern Ireland to be the very best place in the UK to locate, start and scale up a business.

“Northern Ireland has vast untapped potential. We have a skilled workforce, a steady pipeline of talent from our higher and further education institutions, dual market access, and emerging clusters in new industries like tech, cyber security, and health and life sciences. But there is so much more we can achieve if we get the fundamental building blocks in place.

“Things like ensuring political stability at Stormont, fixing our planning system to facilitate speedier construction of major capital infrastructure projects, investing in our educational institutions to ensure our workforce of the future has the right skills and competencies, capitalising on our dual market access, and reforming our public sector to remove our dependence on it.

“The fact that today is the largest ever Northern Ireland trade mission to Westminster proves the interest that there is in our region. Today’s events are about selling a positive message of Northern Ireland to potential investors and key decision makers from the Government, Parliament, and the global diplomatic community, and ensuring that the prosperity promised by the Good Friday Agreement becomes a reality in the coming years.”

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris MP said: 

“Northern Ireland is a great place to live, work and do business, and this Trade NI report reflects its huge economic potential. The recent Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement anniversary events have shown the huge progress Northern Ireland has made in the last twenty-five years, and I am determined that the spirit of optimism of those events is seized for the benefit of all in Northern Ireland.

“With Northern Ireland’s strengths in key growth sectors, workforce expertise, the drive and creativity of its business community, and the benefits of the Windsor Framework providing a stable framework for the future, I’m confident it can continue to grow and thrive. 

“I welcome the contribution that Trade NI have made to the debate on how to secure prosperity in Northern Ireland and I look forward to the continued opportunity to engage with their members on how the UK Government can help deliver the continued prosperity that Northern Ireland deserves.”

Vicky Davies, Chief Executive of Danske Bank, said:

“We are very proud to be supporting Trade NI with this initiative. A vibrant, growing private sector is vital if we are to ensure a strong future for Northern Ireland’s economy and communities. There is a lot of global goodwill for our region and continued support from those who could influence the future growth of our economy is so important. We must harness the opportunity in front of us, ensuring a path is set that will allow us to be the best we can be over the next 25 years.”

Julie Galbraith, Executive Partner, DWF Law, added:

“DWF is pleased to back Trade NI and their mission to deliver on the economic promise of the Good Friday Agreement. Northern Ireland has a strong message to sell to investors across the globe, leading the world in exciting sectors like fintech, cyber-security, and health and life sciences. This is another opportunity to sell that story to key decision makers from across the UK and bring further investment to our part of the world.”

Nigel Milton, Chief of Staff, Heathrow Airport, also said:

“Heathrow Airport is delighted to once again be supporting the Trade NI Westminster Day of engagement. Northern Ireland is a crucial market for businesses and airlines across the UK and further afield. Heathrow plays a vital role in keeping Northern Ireland connected to other major economic markets across the globe and we are keen to see greater economic prosperity for the region over the next 25 years.”

'Holiday lets an attractive second earner if handled appropriately' writes Neil Armstrong, Tax Director at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

As first appeared in The Irish News, 30 May 2023

We are a region known for our stunning coastlines and sometimes sunny beaches. Approaching the summer after years of travel restrictions that changed the way we holiday; many will once again be considering purchasing a second home for an occasional getaway.

Nowadays these properties can be both a second source of income and a home from home in the summer months. Once established, they are fairly easily managed and come with attractive tax benefits, but certain conditions also determine their profitability. 

Regardless of the home’s purpose, purchasing a second property in the UK requires an additional 3% stamp duty, a price most people can look past when weighed up against the potential earnings. It is whether the home qualifies as a Furnished Holiday Let (FHL) or an Investment Property that will determine its ultimate earning potential.

Viewed as a business rather than an investment, FHLs are a tax efficient way to operate a holiday home. Though they incur greater commercial risks with shorter lets, multiple tenants, and higher expenses such as advertising and cleaning costs, they also bring more tax allowances.

In an FHL, the landlord’s rental profits count as earnings for pension purposes; capital allowances are available for expenditure on items like furniture, equipment, and fixtures; and Capital Gains Tax relief such as Business Assets Disposal Relief also apply.

Yet while the prospect of topping up the pension pot with earnings from a second home seems ideal, the conditions of an FHL may limit your ability to enjoy the property yourself. To qualify, it must be available for letting as furnished holiday accommodation to the public for at least 210 days each year, excluding the days you spend there yourself.

Of these, it must be actually let by tenants 105 days of the year, not including long lets of more than 31 days or the periods when family and friends visit.

This is where individuals must sit down to consider the number of days the property will be available to let, actually let, to whom it is let, and for how long in order to assess its earning potential.

For those who wish to rent for a longer period or use the home themselves at peak times, the rental income will be seen as investment rather than business income, therefore less tax efficient with Capital Gains Tax relief ruled out.

This year’s holiday season comes just months after HMRC warned landlords of short-term rentals, including Airbnb and Booking.com hosts, to declare all income from the property to remain compliant. In most cases, landlords receive a tax-free allowance of £1,000 per year. 

Just like any residential property, selling a second home also requires Capital Gains Tax liabilities to be reported and paid to HMRC within 60 days of completion. It is recommended that residential property owners check their tax position if they wish to sell, to ensure they avoid unnecessary costs like interest and penalties for noncompliance with HMRC.

Despite these obligations, holiday homes can be a profitable venture if approached correctly and have the added benefit of the occasional getaway, hopefully when the sun is shining, and our coastlines are at their best.

Landlords are advised, however, to seek the advice of a professional and put time and resource into considering the tax obligations before any purchases are made or suitcases packed.

NI fintech leaders showcase sector to FCA Chief Executive Nikhil Rathi

fscom Director Alison Donnelly, FCA Chief Executive Nikhil Rathi and fscom Chairperson Alex Lee pictured in Belfast.

Financial and regulatory technology leaders in Northern Ireland have come together to showcase the sector to Financial Conduct Authority Chief Executive Nikhil Rathi.  

Rathi, who has led the UK financial regulator since October 2020, met with leaders from NI-based companies who are members of industry association FinTech NI, including FinTrU, Datactics and AuditComply.

The event was hosted by leading specialist financial regulation consulting firm fscom at their headquarters in Belfast.  

The local fintech and regtech leaders set out both the strength of the sector currently in Northern Ireland, and the regulatory challenges facing financial services institutions here.  

Now generating over £392 million in annual GVA from fintech, Northern Ireland was one of ten UK areas found to be producing high growth fintech companies in the Independent Strategic Review of UK Fintech 2021. The region’s leading capabilities in regtech were identified as a significant strength for the local ecosystem in the NI FinTech Sector Strategy produced by FinTech NI in the same year.   

At the meeting, Rathi set out the FCA’s priorities as an organisation and highlighted the benefits to industry and the regulator of supporting innovation by promoting solutions to complex regulatory challenges.  

FCA Chief Executive Nikhil Rathi said:                                                   

“There is a dynamic ecosystem of financial institutions and fintech firms in Northern Ireland, with vast expertise. The opportunity to hear directly from the firms and gain insights into the strengths and priorities of the sector is invaluable.”

“The FCA has built a world-leading reputation for regulatory innovation. We pioneered the Regulatory Sandbox with UK firms, now copied around the world. We are the first regulator to directly support early and high growth potential firms.  We value the support and input of each of the member organisations we met today and wish to thank FinTech NI and our host fscom.” 

fscom Chairperson Alex Lee added: 

“We are delighted to have hosted Nikhil Rathi at our fscom offices in Belfast and introduced him to some of the local success stories that the NI fintech sector has to offer. As the financial and regulatory sector continues to grow very strongly here, the FCA continues to be a vital institution that is heavily relied upon both to ensure financial markets function well and to give founders and CEOs a clear understanding of how their business can grow and expand while remaining compliant.”

“As a governance, risk, and compliance consultancy, we are encouraged to see this level of engagement between the regulator with the industry and have no doubt today’s session will bolster Northern Ireland’s fintech sector even further.”  

Positive Life Reacts to Core Grant Funding Cuts

Reacting to the Department of Health decision to cut the Core Grant funding Scheme, Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life said:

“The decision by the Department of Health to only provide Core Grant funding until the end of September is another kick in the teeth to those living with HIV in Northern Ireland.

“We are extremely disappointed that once again we have been left in financial limbo for the second half of this financial year. While we recognise that public services across the board are suffering from severe financial pressures, vital local services that support those most marginalised in our society must receive sustainable funding to enable forward planning and service development.

“Northern Ireland is the only devolved region that does not have a bespoke Sexual Health Strategy to promote a positive approach to sexuality and sexual relationships. If we want to meet ambitious targets, deliver much needed strategies and tackle HIV stigma, we need a Department that is willing to help fund our vital work.”

Docs Ireland returns with a stellar industry programme

Alongside a jam-packed programme, Docs Ireland 5 returns with its most stellar industry programme to date with panels, workshops and networking events staring producers, programmers, and industry professionals from all over the world.

On Thursday 22 June the Docs Society will host an Emerging Talent Training Day giving new talent an opportunity to gain skills and contacts. That evening there will be a panel discussion on cross border collaboration called Celebrating the Gains, Addressing the Gaps in the Grand Central Hotel presented in partnership with Screen Producers Ireland.

Docs Ireland will host its Marketplace on Friday 23 June at 2 Royal Avenue for documentary makers and funders from all over the world to create connections that will produce the next instalments of ground-breaking documentaries.

Hosted by audience designer Síle Cully, a range of panels and discussions on Engaging Audiences will occur. Panels include a take on Share.DOC, an introduction to Doc Alliance, a talk from NOISE Film and TV on Documentary film PR, a discussion on DIY distribution and a conversation with leading documentary sales agents.

Additionally, there will be three keynote industry panels. These are:

·        A discussion on current trends in the documentary market hosted by BAFTA Award winning filmmaker and documentary trainer Andy Glynne. BBC NI, BBC Storyville, POV, RTÉ, S4C, TG4, YLE and more will be represented.

·        The Festival Programmers Session with Mads Mikkelsen (Head of Programme CPH.DOX) and Heather Haynes (Associate Director of Programming Hot Docs).

·        The Place of Markets Documentary Landscapes with guest speakers from Cannes, IDFA, Documentary Association of Europe and East Doc.

The Northern Ireland Screen Pitch will also take place on Saturday 24 June for filmmakers to pitch their documentary idea to industry professionals with the possibility of being awarded £7500 towards a teaser.

Industry passes are on sale now. The pass is £85 for professionals and £55 for students. There is also the option to pay separately for some events. More information can be read at www.docsireland.ie.

The full Docs Ireland 5 programme will be launched on Thursday 25 May at The Black Box, Belfast.

Roisin Geraghty, Head of Industry and Marketplace at Docs Ireland said:

“At Docs Ireland, our key aim is to support the island of Ireland’s documentary filmmaking community. 

“We do this through our core industry initiatives - the Docs Ireland Marketplace, the IGNITE Talent Development Programme and the Northern Ireland Screen Pitch, and through our ancillary industry events and networking opportunities, which cater to filmmakers at all stages of their careers. 

“This year we will host sessions exploring current trends in non-fiction festival curation, meet with international broadcasters to discuss their commissioning practices, and focus on engaging audiences for documentary film, as well as collaborating on events with Screen Producers Ireland and Creative Europe Desk Ireland. We will also continue our long-standing partnership with Doc Society, hosting an Emerging Talent Day with the aim of fostering creativity and conversation, disseminating information and boosting the confidence of new storytellers to develop their creative non-fiction filmmaking practice. 

“I do hope that there is something that piques the interest of every documentary filmmaker within this year’s programme.”

Docs Ireland is funded by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, Department of Communities, Film Hub NI, BFI FAN, Screen Ireland and Arts and Business.

And proudly sponsored by TG4, BBC Northern Ireland, Birra Moretti and Hastings Hotels.

New Cyndi Lauper documentary to open fifth Docs Ireland Film Festival

The Irish Premiere of Fine Point Film’s new documentary Let the Canary Sing, a portrait of Cyndi Lauper, will open the fifth Docs Ireland festival next month.

Coming hot on the heels of its World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, Let the Canary Sing is a deep dive into the life and legacy of the living pop/punk legend and activist.

Produced by Belfast based production company Fine Point Films, Let the Canary Sing exemplifies the depth and breadth of Irish documentary filmmaking.

Docs Ireland will celebrate a bumper year for Irish documentaries with 12 Irish features screening in its Pull Focus Competition. Stories include a wide range of subject matter, from music, art, nature, and identity to investigative journalism which provide insights into this island’s complicated past and present. These include:

·        The World Premiere of I Dream in Photos which tracks the life and work of Pulitzer Prize-Winning photographer Cahal McNaughton.

·        Margo Harkin’s harrowing Stolen that investigates the horrific discovery of the bodies of 796 mothers and babies in Tuam.

·        The European Premiere of Des Henderson’s long awaited, incredibly revealing expose The Lost Boys: Belfast’s Missing Children.

·        Atomic Hope which tackles the explosively controversial issue of nuclear fuel as a means of solving the global climate crisis.

·        The European Premiere of In the Shadow of Beirut produced by Cyprus Avenue and Hilary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton’s production company Hidden Light. It looks at modern day Lebanon and the devastating impact of years of war and imperialism in the region.

The full Docs Ireland 5 programme will be launched on Thursday 25 May at the Black Box. Tickets for the opening gala and screenings for the Pull Focus competition are on sale now at www.docsireland.ie.

Michele Devlin, Director of Docs Ireland said:

“Five short years ago we launched the first Docs Ireland in response to the creativity and passion we saw in a vibrant Irish documentary-making sector.  We wanted to celebrate this energy, to give it a platform here at home and support in the international arena.

“In a programme that spans 25 countries across the world, this year we have a welcome explosion of talent, as we premiere a record number of Irish-made feature documentaries.

“Our opening night features the Irish Premiere of Fine Point Film’s Let the Canary Sing, a beautiful and inspiring look at the life and career of the pop / new wave legend, Cyndi Lauper.  This film, which was recently acquired by international distributors Dogwoof, is a prime example of how Irish films are out there performing strongly alongside the best on the world stage.

“We are very excited to be launching the full programme next week, Docs Ireland 5 runs from 20th–25th June.”

Northern Ireland Local Government Election Results 2023

After weeks of campaigning, 15 hours of voting, and a turnout of 54%, the curtain closed on the Northern Ireland Local Government Election 2023 in the early hours of Sunday morning. The count revealed a seismic shift in local politics that made Sinn Fein the first nationalist party to become the largest at local government level in Northern Ireland.

Sinn Féin surprised pundits and party activists alike by sweeping up 39 additional seats across Northern Ireland. Breakthroughs in Ballymena, Lisburn North and Coleraine show the party is advancing in Unionist areas. Yet it was still a good day out for the DUP which consolidated its vote and demonstrated that its base is supportive of the Assembly and Executive boycott. That said, high profile losses such as George Dorrian, the party’s group leader on Belfast City Council, and Lisburn and Castlereagh sitting Mayor Scott Carson made small dints to their armour.

While the ‘Alliance Surge’ continued, its momentum hit a roadblock. The expansion of the party did continue with a first seat in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for the party, and the election of Northern Ireland’s youngest ever councillor in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, but two losses in Derry and Strabane District Council and failed breakthroughs in West Tyrone, Portadown and Dungannon stalled their advancement west of the Bann.

As predicted, the decline of the UUP and SDLP continued. Losing 21 seats, the UUP clinged on to representation at Belfast City Council and made one gain on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. For the SDLP, it was a difficult day out. Their successes in Belfast were not replicated across the board, with their representation on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council slashed to one seat.

Jim Allister failed to make any inroads to the traditional DUP vote but did take one seat on Belfast City Council with representative Ron McDowell . The Green Party’s representation was cut to 5 seats, with party leader Mal O’Hara failing to get re-elected. People Before Profit also took a hit, with Fiona Ferguson and Matt Collins not returning to Belfast City Council.

Deeper analysis of the election confirms that all roads lead to the eventual return of the Executive and Assembly, but the DUP need some political cover to do so. Whether the UK Government will give them this remains yet to be seen.  

"New legislation will target ‘greenwashing’ companies" writes Matthew Howse, Partner – Dispute Resolution and Litigation, Eversheds Sutherland

Matthew Howse, Partner - Dispute Resolution and Litigation, Eversheds Sutherland

As companies become more and more eco-conscious, driven by evolving consumer demands as well as being obliged to do their own bit to address the climate crisis, ESG has become much more prominent and significant. Large corporations, in particular, are now expected to maintain responsible business practices and embody strong socially responsible values. While this is to be commended from firms who are keen to create better communities where they operate, it’s important that their green credentials can always stand up to scrutiny.

New legislation introduced by the UK Government in recent weeks is aimed at targeting so-called ‘greenwashing’ by companies and individuals. Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill, currently making its way through the House of Commons, large companies face the threat of civil penalties of up to 10% of their global turnover for breaches of consumer law, while individuals who breach these laws will face fines of up to £300,000. These new penalties will directly address greenwashing and companies who seek to flout their green commitments without the evidence to back it up.

The proposed bill will give new powers to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to tackle and penalise companies who make false green claims. In their sights already, however, are products known as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). These include every day, essential household items including food and drink, cleaning products, and toiletries, many of which are increasingly marketed as being sustainable, green, or environmentally and eco-friendly. As one of the largest goods sectors in the UK, worth over £100 billion every year, the impact of any large-scale alleged greenwashing in FMCG products could be seismic and could force other sectors to change their ways.

There are no shortage of sectors or businesses who could be affected by these new laws including motoring, clothing and fashion, construction, or aviation. These are sectors which often go to pains to prove their green commitments and highlight their eco-conscious values to consumers who are increasingly keen to align themselves to brands which ‘care’. However, many could be forced to scale back their messaging around sustainability. We’ve already seen the CMA launch investigations into the environmental claims of large retailers like ASOS and Boohoo over the validity of their sustainability claims. With these new powers, the body would have greater strength to tackle such green offenders.

The UK isn’t the first country to take action against greenwashing. Australia, for example, has already brought legal action against a company regarding its net zero claims while the EU is developing its own plans to penalise greenwashing. With Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claiming that this new piece of legislation will be a priority for his government, companies must now make sure that their claims stand up to scrutiny. Regulators, watchdogs, and activists are emboldened like never before. It is, therefore, vital that firms ensure that they can properly demonstrate their claims – otherwise they will pay the price, both financially and reputationally.