WIREDGOV

As part of their ongoing implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023, Ofcom have published their draft guidance for providers setting out how they can take action against harmful content and activity that disproportionately affects women and girls.  

Four men were recently (Friday 7 March 2025) sentenced in relation to a £266 million money laundering operation.

Blog posted by: Laura Hogg, 07 March 2025 – Categories: Mission delivery, Science, Waste management.

Three defendants have been fined for their involvement in illegal waste activity in Northamptonshire, following an investigation by the Environment Agency.

The Welsh and Irish Governments are working together on safeguarding and building on the links between the two countries across the Irish Sea, the two governments said recently (07 March 2025).

Research published today (Monday 10 March) by the Electoral Commission reveals children and young people in Northern Ireland are less likely to be interested in UK politics compared to their counterparts in the rest of the UK.

On 20 February, the Government launched the consultation on the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act, open until Thursday 15 May.

Blog posted by: Hettie Street, 06 March 2025 – Categories: a great place to work, International Women's Day, Software Developer, Women in Tech.

The government has confirmed further reforms to overhaul the planning system and put growth at the heart of the statutory consultee system.

Funding for 25,500 new Modern Apprentices, 2,500 Foundation Apprentices.

The Future Soldier warfighting structure stands as an impediment to the British Army attaining mass, with reservist unit training withering.

Eni and UKAEA launch a research and technological development collaboration for innovative solutions in the field of fusion energy.

Two men who attempted to import multi-tonne quantities of cocaine from South America, and laundered the profits through a Hatton Garden gold merchant, have been jailed.

Workers scrambled up the rungs of an unsafe scaffold to work at a block of flats in Merseyside.

Wales and Ireland are continuing to work together on strengthening the resilience of the Irish Sea crossing between the two countries.

A new initiative in Littleborough is encouraging girls and women into the construction industry.

Blog posted by: Helena Trippe, Head of UCD GOV.UK One Login and Tim Paul – Head of Interaction Design, Government Digital Service, 07 March 2025 – Categories: Digital Centre, Digital strategy.

Government response to previous Committee’s report on the Sustainability and finances of the Social Housing sector (published 7 March).

Tracked machines, drones and robot dogs are among the suite of tools defence scientists are working on with pioneers from industry and academia.

Strengthening the role of GPs in Wales will be vital in improving patient healthcare and tackling NHS waiting lists.

A former detective constable has been found not guilty of sexual assault following a trial at Chester Crown Court.

Without third party mediation between Turkey and Kurdish groups, it may be difficult to overcome the many barriers that have stymied past attempts to bring about peace.

 The TUC recently (Thursday) warned that women are bearing the brunt of exploitative zero-hours contracts which are “hindering progress towards gender equality”.

Import ban introduced to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.

First Minister John Swinney has reaffirmed Scotland’s commitment to promoting women’s leadership in conflict resolution, as Scotland marked International Women’s Day.

Just 4 in 10 vulnerable customers say they have disclosed their needs to their financial services provider, new research commissioned by the FCA shows.

Hundreds of thousands of children in the UK from migrant families are affected by poverty and are being held back in life, according to a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has made improvements and has therefore been removed from an enhanced level of monitoring by the fire inspectorate. 

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board commented on the launch of a national programme of supervised toothbrushing for 3 to 5-year-olds in early years settings – including nurseries and primary schools - in most deprived areas of England 

The FCA has set out steps it will take to improve access to mortgages.

Funding for charity web service and training programme.

More work and education and increasing access to open prisons could turn around over a decade of strikingly poor prison performance in England and Wales, says a new Institute for Government report, funded by the Nuffield Foundation.

From cancer detection to new scientific discoveries, AI is already catalysing opportunities for growth and productivity across the UK economy and public services. We are witnessing firsthand how AI is rapidly becoming the world’s next great General-Purpose Technology – like electricity and personal computers – with widespread applications and the power to reshape entire economies and societies.

Tom MacInnes, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice, responded to the announcement that Royal Mail will increase the price of 1st class stamps to £1.70, and 2nd class stamps to 87p, from April, 

A new community hub with post office and shop in Dryslwyn, significant improvements to Fairwater RFC in Cardiff, and a former primary school in Cribyn, Ceredigion, are among an additional 57 community projects sharing a new £4.8m Welsh Government funding.

More dangerous criminals will be taken off the streets thanks to a 700-place expansion which will turn a Suffolk jail into the UK’s largest.

Tens of thousands of children, with parents subject to ‘no recourse to public funds (NRPF), including some children with British citizenship, are being denied childcare, which is stunting their development, holding back their parents from working, and pushing families into poverty, according to a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Praxis

UKHSA is tracing contacts of a person who travelled to England with Lassa fever and has since returned to Nigeria, with overall public risk remaining very low.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responded to analysis by the CSA Centre which found the number of formal protection plans for child sexual abuse is at the lowest level in 30 years 

More dangerous criminals will be taken off the streets thanks to a 700-place expansion which will turn a Suffolk jail into the UK’s largest public sector prison.

The UK and France sign a roadmap to deepen cooperation on people smuggling.

Robin Weyell, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor said: “The CPS has reviewed a full file of evidence from the Merseyside Police and has authorised the investigation team to charge 12 people with 12 offences related to bribery and misconduct in public office.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the leaders of Canada, Turkey, Norway and Iceland this morning.

The Northern Ireland Executive established the Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse to investigate the abuse of children under 18 who lived in institutions in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995.

The first £752 million tranche of the UK’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan to Ukraine has been transferred in demonstration of the UK’s commitment to Ukrainian defence.

Ofgem has today announced that Elexon has been selected as the operator and delivery firm for the new Flexibility Market Asset Registration (FMAR) system. Delivery of the system has also been brought forward by a year, with the launch now scheduled for 2027, and is expected to accelerate the number of flexible tariffs for consumers that can bring down bills.  

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) yesterday published a new advice note to help General Practices in England and Wales embed equality considerations in the NHS services they provide. It includes advice on guarding against digital exclusion. 

Real-time insights will be shared by health boards across Wales to celebrate the breadth of care and thousands of dedicated staff across the NHS.

Innovative UK-made tech will help the military monitor space following a new £65 million deal agreed today, in British Science Week.

New chargepoints will power growth, cut emissions and improve lives in the Midlands and beyond.

Programme will reach up to 600,000 children in most deprived areas.

At a critical moment for European security, ministers addressed a UK-France Defence and Security meeting at RUSI

Russia's artillery has profound strategic and psychological effects, and its use through history has signalled the nation's resolve in warfare. The use of artillery in Ukraine has echoes of the past, with revolutions in application following every Russian war of the 20th century.

The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted a 43-year-old Staffordshire woman for failing to remove illegal waste from land in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

President Trump’s suspension of US military aid to Ukraine underscores the urgent need for Europe to absorb the lessons from Ukraine’s war.

This International Women’s Day, the government has reiterated its commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade.

The government has confirmed that rising rents are being driven by a lack of available housing, in the process emphasising the NRLA's stance on the supply crisis in the PRS.

A man who told police ‘I’ve been a silly boy’ after being arrested for money laundering and tax evasion will hand over a property worth six figures after agreeing to a Consent Order to recover the proceeds of crime.

Independent CMA inquiry group has cleared the merger of corporate travel companies Global Business Travel Group, Inc and CWT Holdings LLC.

The potential impact and range of measures in the bill will require guidance and support for employers to aid implementation and to mitigate concerns

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued best practice industry guidance on providing allergen information to consumers with food hypersensitivities, encouraging information on food allergens to be available in writing in the out of home sector, for example restaurants, cafes, delis, market stalls and takeaways.

Chris Keating, CEO of Connection Support, shares his valuable and insightful experience of Homeless Link's Action Learning Sets.

After a successful trial aircraft-generated data is being used by the Met Office in a move to further improve weather forecasting.

Almost 27 tonnes of cannabis was seized from smugglers flying into UK airports last year - around five times more than in 2023.

The UK Government should develop a national approach to workplace mental health, set targets and support businesses to address the rise in mental ill health, according to RoSPA’s groundbreaking Safer Lives, Stronger Nation report.

Norovirus is continuing to pile pressure on NHS hospitals with over 40,000 bed days lost to the vomiting bug in February alone.

429 purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) units and 44 affordable homes will be delivered along with improvements to the public realm

Understanding leadership in project controls and adapting leadership style to a given situation is crucial to ensuring projects are delivered as well as possible, a new book published by Association for Project Management (APM) asserts.

Innovate UK has announced an investment over £14 million across 29 innovative projects to help make the UK’s medicines manufacturing sector more sustainable.

Community health and social care finances are increasingly precarious. Integration Joint Boards (IJBs) must urgently work with their partners in the NHS and councils to reform how they deliver services to achieve financial sustainability.

Kirkintilloch to host public discussion with Ministers.

A man who brutally murdered a mother and her two daughters has now been found guilty of rape.

Expert-led review published to boost public awareness about air quality.

Cost and evidence gaps remain barriers to approving funding in the NHS for donanemab and lecanemab.

Political parties registered in the UK have reported accepting £7,362,870 donations and public funds during the fourth quarter of 2024 (October to December), according to figures published today by the Electoral Commission (Opens in new window). 

In January 2025, the Home Secretary commissioned us to report on progress made to address the recommendations of our 2023 report on the effectiveness of the police and law enforcement bodies’ response to group-based child sexual exploitation in England and Wales.

Ukraine’s armed forces will be backed by more advanced attack drones to tackle Russian aggression in the Black Sea, following a deal struck by the UK government and an Anglo-American defence tech company.

Ofsted has today published an evaluation assessing the role that the current education inspection framework (EIF) has played in improving curriculum quality in schools.

A woman has admitted killing a baby boy who was found discarded in a black bin bag in Warrington near Gulliver’s World nearly 27 years ago.

People across Scotland encouraged to get potential symptoms checked earlier.

Outsized combat aircraft built for stealthy long-range supersonic flight may be worth the cost for the US and China, but countries in Europe may be better off pursuing other capabilities.

A company owner has pleaded guilty to the gross negligence manslaughter of four paddleboarders who died during an organised tour in Pembrokeshire.

A change in Natural England’s approach means a ‘presumption against’ issuing wild take licensing for falconry and aviculture will be taken in future.

Foreign Secretary and Business Secretary travel to Japan for the Economic 2+2, a new way for the UK and Japan to coordinate international economic policy.

Minister highlights Wales’s natural resources, world-class energy sector and skilled workforce on visit to Denmark.

GAD advised HM Treasury on the interest rate to be charged on the UK’s £2.26 billion loan to Ukraine.

National security, growth and energy security will be top of the agenda at the first annual UK-Ireland Summit tomorrow as the Prime Minister underscores the importance of delivering for the people of the UK.

Private prosecutors face greater transparency and accountability over unregulated or unlawful activity following a consultation to overhaul the current system.

Today is World Book Day, an important moment to reflect on the power of storytelling to inspire, educate and connect young people across the world.  

The Government and ​​​the ​​UK Statistics Authority (UKSA)​​ ​have accepted a number of the recommendations put forward in a report by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee during the last parliament.

The finalists have been announced for the North West Coast Research and Innovation Awards 2025, recognising the best innovators and researchers in health and care in Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Grocery retailer addresses over 100 land agreements which restrict rivals opening nearby.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England has today announced that he will step down this summer, after over seven years in the role.

Following a comprehensive review, the government will publish updates to 7 NTSNs (05 March 2025).

Funding to support housing infrastructure.

The Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) has announced that Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dyfed Alsop, will step down at the end of April, following seven years leading the Welsh tax authority.

Victims in Cleveland will be better protected from domestic abusers following the expansion of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs).

Following the extraordinary events of 28 February, Europe needs unity and resolve to defend Ukraine and help repair Kyiv’s relations with Washington.

The first NHS patients in a generation have started to receive life saving plasma from the blood of UK donors.

Work will be unlocked for thousands of sick and disabled people through new measures that will bolster the support offered in Jobcentres and make the welfare system more sustainable, the Department for Work and Pensions has announced today [Thursday 06 March].

Five Belgian fishing companies and their vessel masters have been successfully prosecuted for serious breaches of fisheries legislation in Welsh waters, marking the latest success in Welsh Government's crackdown on illegal fishing activities.

Display screens at stations will help rebuild trust with passengers as we tackle root causes of rail delays and cancellations.

The government is consulting on plans to put the North Sea at the heart of Britain's clean energy future and drive economic growth.

A PhD student at the University College London has been convicted of the rape of 10 women.

Young voices to be at the heart of policymaking as government breaks down barriers to opportunity through Plan for Change

Local councils will soon be able to access up to £120m to repair more local roads over the next two years, under new plans set out in the Welsh Government’s Final Budget 2025-26.

A former Bedfordshire Police officer who failed to take adequate steps to safeguard a woman after concerns were raised for her welfare, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had he not already resigned, a disciplinary panel has found.  

On Tuesday 4 March, techUK’s Deputy CEO Antony Walker gave oral evidence to the Business and Trade Select Committee as part of their Inquiry on the Industrial Strategy. This assessed the Government’s progress so far. techUK gave evidence alongside our members Riverlane, Vodafone and Arm. 

Notification scheme to be expanded.

The CIPD responds to proposals to amend the Employment Rights Bill, noting that but complexity remains and support for employers will be vital

Europeans can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK and will need one from 2 April 2025.

Britain and India bolster trade ties during Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar's visit to UK.

Report highlights backlog’s devastating impact on victims of crime and their familiesas prison population on remand awaiting trial swells to highest level in 50 years.

More than one million working people across the UK will see a rise in living standards thanks to improvements to Statutory Sick Pay, ministers have announced today.

On Monday, the MOD announced the launch of a ‘new defence innovation organisation’ to ‘deliver cutting-edge military tech to British troops and create highly skilled jobs across the UK’.

The expansion of Port of Cromarty Firth will make it the first port able to make floating offshore wind turbines on site and at scale in the UK, backed by a grant from the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS).

A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool is being rolled out across the NHS that can predict a patient’s risk of falling with 97% accuracy, preventing as many as 2,000 falls and hospital admissions each day.

Possession of non-consensual intimate images (NCII) should be made an offence, putting it on the same legal footing as child sexual abuse material (CSAM), a new report by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) has said.

While over half of people in Wales have made looking after their health a high priority, many are experiencing a decline in their physical and mental well-being, according to the latest Time to Talk Public Health survey from Public Health Wales.

CBI Wales has called for reform of the planning system to kick-start the construction of key projects that will deliver sustainable growth.

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation found South Wales Police officers dealt with a man, who died after being taken into custody, in line with policies and procedures. 

First Minister commits to international solidarity.

On 20 February, the Government launched the consultation on the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act, which is open until Thursday 15 May. We know that the implementation of this legislation will be hugely significant for many homelessness services. So Homeless Link will be submitting a strong response to the consultation, developed in partnership with members, that makes the case for what our sector needs to see.

Two men who got children drunk and then abused them at parties have been jailed for 38 and a half years in total, following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.

Matthew Taylor welcomes news on AI tool that will predict falls and viruses

The Senedd has approved the Welsh Budget 2025-26, releasing £1.6bn of extra funding for the NHS, councils, schools and public transport, benefitting people and communities throughout Wales.

Frailty services expansion to build on improved performance.

We're excited to announce that early bird bookings are now open for Under One Roof: Homeless Link's 2025 Summer Conference, taking place 2 - 3 June in Nottingham.

The FCA's review of private market valuation processes has found good practice but some room for improvement.

NHS Confederation responds to new analysis from the Health Foundation highlighting funding gap

The APCC’s joint Leads on the Criminal Justice System, Donna Jones and Danielle Stone, respond to the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales’s report on the impact of the courts backlog on victims, victim services and the wider criminal justice system.

Secretary of State has welcomed the release of £129 million by the UK Government to support public service transformation in Northern Ireland.

AI security research and protecting critical systems will be the focus of the first grant fund created under the AI Security Institute.

Four day celebrations will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe in May

Nearly half a billion pounds had to be spent again by councils last year to plug a shortfall in funding for free bus passes, at the expense of lower fares and other transport services to help more people into work and boost growth, latest analysis has revealed.

The Duchess has visited troops of The Queen's Own Yeomanry at Warcop Training Centre in Cumbria, where she watched a training exercise.

An Iraqi national wanted in Italy for allegedly smuggling hundreds of migrants into Europe has been arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

HMICFRS yesterday published the policing inspection programme and framework for 2025–29.

Children and Social Care Minister Dawn Bowden has been hearing from young people on issues that matter to them during visits in Bala and Newtown.

The FCA has banned Andrew Pearse and Surjan Singh from the UK financial services industry.

The fight against retail crime continues building momentum thanks to strong partnerships between policing and retailers and recent Government announcements to strengthen legislation.

Vulnerable girls sentenced to youth custody will no longer be placed in Young Offender Institutions (YOIs).

The government has announced £1.5 billion funding for 75 selected communities through the Plan for Neighbourhoods.

On financial crime, both the EU and the Financial Action Task Force expect action. Ukraine should not be distracted.

High-resolution DNA sequencing creates a unique resource to explore the relationship between genetic and environmental factors in child health and development.

Four men who worked for a notorious organised crime family in Liverpool have been told that they must pay back £190,000 or face more time in prison.

NHS staff retention schemes have helped cut the number of workers leaving the health service to one of its lowest levels in over a decade, according to new analysis.

Fraudster used company money to fund casino gambling over several years

CBI yesterday responded to publication of amendments to the Employment Rights Bill.