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There were 11,751 local authority housing stock units vacant as of  31 March 2024.

APCC Chair, Emily Spurrell has responded to the government’s white paper on devolution in England.

The NHS is urging those eligible for vaccination to come forward without delay before the National Booking Service closes this Thursday (19 December).

Raft of new powers will enable Mayors to drive economic growth, raise living standards and deliver better services across England.

CBI yesterday responded to English Devolution White Paper – December 2024.

Annual stocking of 52,000 fish is a gift to SE anglers this Xmas. Presents of roach, barbel, chub, dace & native crucian carp delivered to local rivers.

A Blackburn-based engineering company has been fined £80,000 after a man described as ‘caring and loving’ by his family was killed after being crushed under a machine.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is asking passengers to complete a short questionnaire to share their experiences of being penalised for travelling by train, either for travelling without a ticket at all or without a valid ticket.

Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill introduced to Parliament today, putting children’s interests at the heart of government policy.

Refugees, people seeking asylum and other forced migrants in Glasgow are benefitting from English classes to help them integrate into communities, supported by £500,000 in Scottish Government funding which will help 800 learners.

Once reserved for nation-state actors, advanced and persistent cyber tactics are now common among cybercriminals, making them equally devastating in today’s threat landscape.

Government acts decisively to force water companies to double the compensation paid to customers and businesses for service failures. 

The Environment Agency has today (17 December) published details of its National Assessment of Flood and Coastal Erosion risk in England.

The King has approved the award of His Majesty’s Gold Medal for Poetry for the year 2024 to George Szirtes. 

Over £12m of grants will be awarded in 2025 to 2026 to a range of organisations to support curriculum priorities, including extra funding for literacy and numeracy projects.

Up to £820,000 is being made available to help projects protect and enhance their local fisheries.

Events in Syria have undermined Moscow’s claims to be a reliable security guarantor. But Russia’s position in the country remains secondary to the war in Ukraine.

Defence Business Services, on behalf of the MOD, is responsible for delivering a range of services and support for UK Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Dstl scientists work in partnership with the UK armed forces and industry to ensure that future warfighters have the best air combat capability.

The latest quarterly Scottish Government Workforce Information statistics have been published today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.

The ICO are calling on all water companies to proactively publish information relating to sewage discharges each month.

A woman has been sentenced after throwing a milkshake at a prospective Member of Parliament during a campaign event earlier this year.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak has responded to today’s (Tuesday) labour market data, which show ongoing challenges with falling jobs and vacancies.

The government has announced the members of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, as the government looks to deliver long-term growth in key sectors.

World’s biggest humanitarian catastrophe to receive vital assistance.

Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of the first neutrons produced at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (ISIS).

National Parks and National Landscapes empowered to deliver more for people and nature with new legislation pledged.

In the sixth and final episode of Unlocking Opportunities, our live show series in partnership with FE News, we explored the transformative power of further education (FE) in fostering inclusivity and addressing key barriers in education and skills development. 

The government is on track to deliver highest number of returns for 5 years as nearly 13,500 removed from the UK since election.

Families and individuals across Wales struggling with the cost of food will receive vital support this winter through £1.7 million of additional funding from the Welsh Government.

The arrest in Wales is part of a wider investigation into suspected illegal and unsafe meat by FSA’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU).

All In, an arts access scheme for deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people in the UK and Ireland, recently launched its pilot programme in Leeds last week.  

A report by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) finds that local areas are working hard to improve support for young people with SEND, but systemic challenges are limiting their ability to prepare these young people for adulthood.

The government has extended the existing Home Building Fund beyond March next year.

The Scottish Government Budget will prioritise patients and drive improvements to the NHS, Health Secretary Neil Gray has said.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence delivered its first climate-focused strategic wargame, with results that have implications for the Strategic Defence Review.

The Children’s Commissioner is calling for immediate action to stop hundreds of children from being housed illegally in settings including caravans and holiday rentals, at exorbitant cost to local authorities.

A new analysis of reablement care provision in two local authorities in Wales indicates that such services can result in fewer people needing long term care plans.

Blog posted by: Warren Seddon is the Director of FOI at the ICO, 16 December 2024.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves confirms the Spring forecast will take place on Wednesday 26 March.

Ambitious new Green Industrial Partnership will see enhanced cooperation across a range of sectors, including future clean energy innovations.  

Last week, we learned about the Prime Minister’s six key milestones when he introduced his new plan for change. 

Landmark English Devolution White Paper set to unleash power from Whitehall back into local communities that know their areas best

The government aims to achieve a flexible clean energy system by 2030. Building and upgrading the electricity transmission network is essential to reaching this.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in its role as the Agency for UK REACH, recently set out proposals (PDF) to be considered by government ministers in England, Scotland and Wales to restrict the supply and certain outdoor uses of lead ammunition in Great Britain. 

People in the UK will be better protected from illegal harms online, as tech firms are now legally required to start taking action to tackle criminal activity on their platforms, and make them safer by design. 

Financial readiness – guidance for public sector suppliers on how to prepare for financial assessment during the procurement process.

The Scottish Mentoring and Leadership Programme (SMLP) supports disadvantaged youth through MCR Pathways, a mentoring program improving education and life skills, and Columba 1400, which fosters leadership and confidence.

Failings in UK policing have left victims feeling betrayed, prompting calls for the use of restorative practice to rebuild trust, address harm and prioritise humanity over bureaucracy.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has come into force.

Our recent collaboration with NCFE focused on how tagging – an innovative tool within Pupil Progress – enables the assignment of students to groups based on shared learning needs or strategic goals, such as "English 4+ but not Maths."

The FCA has set out proposals for extra support for millions of UK savers to help them make better decisions about their pensions.

techUK’s Public Services Board has elected its new Chair and Deputy Chair.

The Environment Agency’s £29m Stallingborough 3 sea defence improvements project between Immingham and Grimsby has reached a significant milestone.

The Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) announced a comprehensive restructure to enhance competence and safety standards across the built environment.

The Met Office outlook for 2025 suggests that it is likely to be one of the three warmest years for global average temperature, falling in line just behind 2024 and 2023.

Have your say on the proposal to implement the globally agreed international aviation carbon offsetting scheme (CORSIA) in the UK.

The International Development Committee has endorsed the appointment of the new Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) Jillian Popkins, in a report published today.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses as we investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a child at the Camden Road overground station, north west London, in September.

Turkey feels its longstanding support of the Syrian opposition has now been vindicated. But its increased influence in Damascus also comes with significant responsibilities.

This report was issued in December 2024 and covers the time period 1 November 2024 to 30 November 2024 inclusive.

A new approach to development and the environment will boost the number of homes being built

Up to 100% non-domestic rates relief for hospitality businesses on Scotland’s islands and specified remote areas will continue in 2025-26, subject to the Budget passing.

We explore the ongoing debate around NICE’s cost-effectiveness thresholds and what the future holds.

A man who tried to smuggle £4m worth of ketamine into the UK has been jailed for three years and nine months after National Crime Agency (NCA) officers recovered footage of him buying wood to conceal the drugs.

An IOPC investigation into an incident where armed police arrested a 13-year-old boy who had been playing with a water pistol, has found that the actions of the officers involved were reasonable in the circumstances.

The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan lays out a comprehensive roadmap for the future of energy in the UK, focusing on achieving a sustainable, secure, and economically beneficial energy system.

New funding that will support more people into work has been welcomed by the CIPD in Wales and Transport for Wales, who share a commitment to help create fair work and quality jobs.

New pan-UKRI research data policy framework will maximise the value of data arising from UKRI funding and support an open research and innovation culture.

A rapid review conducted by Public Health Wales in collaboration with Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre has identified interventions that may help support the challenges faced by individuals with obesity on long waiting lists for healthcare services in Wales.

We have published two new thematic reviews into professional obligations, and probate and estate administration. 

The purpose of this publication is to provide an update on policy development within the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) Programme and DESNZ's vision of electricity market reform sits alongside the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.

A new report from the Local Government Association (LGA), SOLACE, and CIPFA calls for urgent reform of the local government funding system, highlighting that an outdated and complex funding model is hindering councils’ ability to plan effectively and meet the growing needs of their communities.

A research team led by the University of Liverpool has developed an innovative new technique that can rapidly assess paracetamol levels from saliva.

As the festive season gets into full swing, experts at Public Health Wales are reminding people that while it's the season to share gifts, food and celebrations, sharing germs is a lot less fun and can have serious consequences for vulnerable people in our families and communities.

IPPR has reacted to the National Audit Office report on the rollout of public EV charging points

Britons spend only half as much time speaking on landline phones as we did five years ago. So why do most broadband customers still need to pay ‘line rental’, even if we don’t use our home phones?

Responding to Ofcom's announcement that Royal Mail is to be fined £10.5m for failing to meet its delivery targets in the 2023/24 financial year, Tom MacInnes, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice said: “Failing to hit a single delivery target for nearly five years is simply unacceptable by Royal Mail and it’s consumers left facing the consequences. 

Three men have today been jailed for their roles in an organised crime group that smuggled several billion pounds worth of heroin, cocaine and cannabis into the UK.

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets Trading Standards team has been recognised with the Product Safety Initiative Award at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) annual Hero Awards. This accolade celebrates their innovative and collaborative efforts with London Fire Brigade to address the growing fire risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters in one of the UK’s most densely populated areas.

Haush Ltd plans to be the first of its kind to offer green hydrogen to decarbonise land, sea and air transportation as well as fuel exports to Europe.

£100 million funding to improve patient flow.

UPDATED prosecution guidance, which clarifies the law on when deceiving someone or failing to disclose birth sex could affect consent in rape cases, has been published today by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Greater Manchester Police has good leadership of its child protection arrangements but must improve in some areas to make sure it identifies all risks to children, the police inspectorate has said.

The Commission responds to government's plan to speed up and expand delivery of major renewable generation and energy network infrastructure

Government delivers on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change to build an energy system that can bring down bills for households and businesses for good.

Ben Jones, Lead Economist, CBI, responds to October 2024 GDP figures

Ofcom has today fined Royal Mail £10,500,000 for failing to meet its First and Second Class delivery targets in the 2023/24 financial year

Public electric vehicle chargepoint installations are currently on track to meet the minimum 300,000 needed across the UK by 2030, but government faces challenges to address the location of chargepoints, their accessibility and wider barriers such as planning rules, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report

The operation has concluded after more than two years of successfully protecting Polish airspace.

New parents who claim Child Benefit online could get paid before Christmas.

More than 1,200 hectares of degraded rainforest habitat are now on the road to recovery thanks to Scottish Government funding.

Russia’s ‘shadow territories’ are hosting large-scale Bitcoin mining, producing new coins that can be used for influence operations, sanctions circumvention and personal enrichment.

The Environment Agency fisheries team in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire have launched their annual netting programme for the 2024/2025 season.

Natural England and partners have launched an innovative habitat restoration project designed to create safe spaces for seabirds within the Lune Estuary.

A former West Midlands Police (WMP) constable has been jailed for four years for illegally accessing sensitive information from computer systems and passing it to her boyfriend, who she knew had been involved in criminal activity.

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, recently visited the Lido Ponty and Ynysangharad Park to see and hear about the impact of recent flooding caused by Storm Bert.

Mobile phone records have helped the Environment Agency to prosecute 3 men for using a Derbyshire farm as an illegal waste site.

Blog posted by: Stephen Almond is the ICO's executive director of regulatory risk, 12 December 2024.

Government has launched £75 million LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme after discussions with veterans.

The Health and Social Care Secretary made a statement to the House of Commons on puberty-suppressing hormones on 11 December.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates has visited Wrexham to hear about the progress the local authority has made as they launch their consultation of 20mph roads that may change back to 30mph.

Local authorities receive real terms increase in funding.

Sara Sharif was killed by the people in her life that should have loved her the most – and they must now face the consequences of that terrible act.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak commented on today’s (Friday) ONS data showing monthly growth fell by 0.1% in October.

Flu positivity jumps to 17.1% as vaccine take-up rates lag behind levels needed to protect the NHS and levels of norovirus highest in a decade for the time of year.

Projects will support more people from underrepresented backgrounds to walk and cycle

The NHS is using AI to predict patients who are at risk of becoming frequent users of emergency services so staff can get them more appropriate care at an earlier stage.

Luton Borough Council is improving the way it administers benefits appeals after the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found it had a backlog of cases dating back five years.

BBSRC is backing four major research projects to help pioneer critical advances in healthy ageing, drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is appealing for information from the public in relation to a complex timeshare services scheme it believes was operated by an organised crime network.   

Cllr Adam Hug, LGA Housing spokesperson responded to the Government's changes to the National Planning Policy Framework  

Citizens Advice Bureaux to provide support in six more areas

The education sector is set to benefit from £225.5m in funding, with schools, colleges and other settings receiving funding to help meet the needs of learners across Wales.

People affected by flooding, coastal erosion and water pollution will co-lead research projects to find natural ways to protect their communities.

The government has accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for the spring 2025 COVID-19 vaccination programme

Tom MacInnes, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice, responded to Ofcom’s Pricing trends for communications services in the UK report 

The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into The Order of Friars Minor Conventual.

Part of a fresh drive to boost the country’s ability to diagnose and test for new and emerging infectious disease threats.

IPPR calls for a 'four-nations approach’ to drive the UK’s wind energy future

Average prices for fixed broadband and landline bundles have generally fallen in real terms between 2023 and 2024, with the fastest packages seeing the biggest drop, according to Ofcom’s annual pricing trends report

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responded to the Chief Medical Officer’s annual report, Health in Cities

Twenty firearms have been seized from a suspected gun factory following an intelligence-led operation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

A man who planned a terrorist attack at a London law firm and made a threat to kill a solicitor has been sentenced to a hospital order.

The Government’s response to the Treasury Committee report on access to financing for small businesses has been published today. 

Commission responds to changes announced in the government's National Planning Policy Framework

Courses key to government growth mission will stay, with 70% of the remaining qualifications due for defunding to be saved

Our role as a statutory consultee saw 94% of all concluded planning applications involving playing fields result in the protection or improvement of facilities

As of today, 94% of farmers have received their full or balance Basic Payment Scheme 2024 payment.

Mandating energy suppliers to offer low or no standing charges and better support for households struggling with debt are among planned improvements to the energy market announced by Ofgem today, Thursday 12 December. 

Flu hit hospitals in England even harder last week, as a ‘tidal wave’ of infections led to a 70% increase in hospital cases across just 7 days.

The FCA is consulting on a proposed new regime of support with pensions decision-making as part of the joint government and FCA Advice Guidance Boundary Review.

An overhaul of the planning system to accelerate housebuilding and deliver 1.5 million homes over this Parliament.

Victims of crimes will see the perpetrators face justice more quickly under a once-in-a-generation review of criminal courts, the Lord Chancellor announced today (12 December).

2024 Annual Report from Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, focusing on ‘Health In Cities'.

The Chief Statistician has released figures on the 2024 Scottish harvest. Total cereal production from the 2024 harvest is around 3.0 million tonnes.

NATO should recognise the importance of biosecurity by understanding it as a new domain.

Government injects £343 million of funding into the rural economy last week, benefiting more than 31,000 farmers.

When Lisa Sanford-Howard recognised that she wanted to enhance her skills and knowledge for her home-based childcare business, she made the decision to return to education.

Baroness Margaret Hodge announced as UK's new Anti-Corruption Champion as National Crime Agency receives new funding and sanctions imposed on illicit gold trade

A vote was recently (10 December 2024) passed in the Senedd recently introducing new regulations to prohibit the supply of single-use vapes in Wales.

GDA process enables regulators to begin assessing the safety, security, safeguarding and environmental aspects of new nuclear power station designs at an early stage of the regulatory process

New guidance to help those who commission services to support victims of crime has been published. Police and Crime Commissioners, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners and Deputy Mayors commission have a leading role in commissioning such services.

Defence Minister Lord Coaker visits Chile and Brazil for talks with counterparts and industry as the UK strengthens relations with partners around the world.

20 new clinical research hubs to be set up across UK to accelerate research into the next generation of treatments.

Capital investment almost trebled to unlock private sector growth.

We have fined two companies, based in Greater Manchester, a total of £290k and issued them both with enforcement notices after they were found to have made numerous nuisance phone calls to people – who'd opted out of receiving marketing calls – attempting to sell them life insurance and debt management solutions.

The CMA has launched an investigation into suspected bid-rigging in relation to a key government fund for improving the condition of school buildings.

CBI has responded to the Deputy Prime Minister's new National Planning Policy Framework.

Roundtable forms key part of Government's pro-growth approach and Plan for Change.

First Minister John Swinney has launched his official Christmas card in partnership with charity Children First.

Coast path extended across East Sussex.

The UK will support Cyprus in establishing a new National Sanctions Implementation Unit to crack down on illicit Russian finance flowing through Europe.

Existing emergency measures banning the sale and supply of puberty-suppressing hormones will be made indefinite, following official advice from medical experts.

The UK fishing industry will have access to 150,000 tonnes of fishing opportunities following the conclusion of annual fishing negotiations with the EU.

An agreement in principle with Vestas is set to save 300 jobs.

A total of 15 health and care charities have been selected to join the first cohort of the new GSK Community Health programme supporting very small charities tackling health inequalities, delivered in partnership with The King’s Fund. The programme will provide funding and support to community-based organisations working to improve the health of some of the most deprived communities in the UK. 

A former West Mercia Police officer has been given an 18-month prison sentence after admitting to misconduct in public office, following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

It’s December and this is definitely the question we get asked the most; ‘Will it be a white Christmas?’

The National Crime Agency has participated in a global operation to degrade some of the most popular services used by cyber criminals to carry out cyber attacks that affect public services and cripple businesses in the UK.

A motor insurance worker who unlawfully accessed personal information has been handed a suspended prison sentence after an investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Alison Orrells, Chair, CBI Wales responds to draft Welsh Government Budget 2025-26

Help the Homeless are offering small Capital grants of up to £5,000 for organisations with a turnover of less than £500,000.

A new report authored by RUSI's Centre for Finance Security (CFS) Research Fellow Eliza Lockhart – funded by the Serious Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Evidence (SOC ACE) Research Programme – explores the role of financial rewards for whistleblowers.

Orkney and Shetland to share £20 million.

We are thrilled to present highlights from techUK's Nations and Regions programme of work over the past year, showcasing our key achievements, valuable insights, and defining moments. This year has been marked by meaningful discussions, impactful events, and collaborative initiatives—none of which would have been possible without your engagement and support.