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Sunak launches new business council for collaboration with top CEOs

The prime minister's office said participants included CEOs from Scottish Power, Lloyds Banking Group, Greggs, and Nationwide

Sunak launches new business council for collaboration with top CEOs

Prime minister Rishi Sunak launched a new business council on Wednesday (31), establishing routine meetings with several of the country's top bosses, such as the chief executives of BT BT.L, Rolls-Royce RR.L, and Unilever ULVR.L.

The newly-appointed council will be used to gain business perspectives on the global economic climate and government policy as Sunak looks to generate investment and growth ahead of an election expected later this year.


"Without the jobs, growth, and innovation created by UK firms, the country simply wouldn’t function," Sunak said in a statement announcing the members of the council.

"That’s why I’m getting businesses in for a regular update on how well we are doing in delivering for business – straight from the shop floor.”

Sunak's office said participants included CEOs from Scottish Power, Lloyds Banking Group, Greggs and Nationwide.

(Reuters)

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Almost 300,000 families and individuals across England are now experiencing the worst forms of homelessness, including rough sleeping, unsuitable temporary accommodation and living in tents, according to new research from Crisis.

The landmark study, led by Heriot-Watt University, shows that 299,100 households in England experienced acute homelessness in 2024. This represents a 21 per cent increase since 2022, when there were 246,900 households, and a 45 per cent increase since 2012.

More than 15,000 people slept rough last year, while the number of households in unsuitable temporary accommodation rose from 19,200 in 2020 to 46,700 in 2024. An additional 18,600 households are living in unconventional accommodation such as cars, sheds and tents.

A national survey found 70 per cent of councils have seen increased numbers approaching them for homelessness assistance in the last year. Local authorities in London and Northern England reported the biggest increase.

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