AT-A-GLANCE: Here are the new things the Conservatives announced at their 2018 conference
2 min read
As the Tories descended on Birmingham for their annual conference this week, all eyes were on whether Theresa May could unite her warring party and win backing for her troubled Chequers deal.
But amid the Brexit battles, there was a raft of new domestic policy announcements.
Health
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced a cash boost of £240m for social care services, designed to head off a winter crisis in the NHS.
In her conference speech, Theresa May set out a new cancer detection strategy, which will include lowering the age for bowel screenings from 60 to 50 and greater investment in scanners and diagnostic centres.
Immigration
The Prime Minister pledged to end free movement after Brexit and reduce low-skilled migration into the UK.
Alongside that, her Home Secretary Sajid Javid laid out details of a new British values test for immigrants applying to become UK citizens.
Housing
Another flagship May announcement was on housing, as she committed to scrapping the borrowing cap for local authorities, freeing them up to build more homes.
That’s after her Housing Secretary, James Brokenshire kicked off the week by banning flammable cladding on high rise buildings, in response to the Grenfell Tower fire.
Tax
Philip Hammond ditched plans for a 2p-a-litre increase on fuel duty, meaning the tax will be frozen for the ninth year in a row.
Transport
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling launched a new “one click” compensation scheme for rail passengers, which will make it easier for customers to get cash back after delays and cancellations.
Crime
Sajid Javid announced an extra £200m in extra funding to tackle rising knife crime.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary David Gauke revealed plans for a new financial crime unit, aimed at tackling drug dealing.
Animal welfare
In his conference speech, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said maximum prison sentences for animal cruelty would be raised from 6 months to 5 years.
Work
Mrs May announced a ban on hospitality companies taking a share of their staff’s tips, saying it is vital that "everyone is treated fairly in the workplace".
Elsewhere, the Chancellor unveiled a new £125m package aimed at boosting apprenticeships.
And Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst announced a crackdown on late payments to small businesses.
And finally...
An announcement that grabbed headlines was the news that heterosexual couples will now be allowed to enter into civil partnerships. Although one Tory backbencher wasn’t that keen.
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