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Changes increase accountability and transparency  

Former police officer Lewis Edwards and his mother Rebekah Edwards have been sentenced after attempting to conceal crucial evidence following an online child abuse and blackmail case.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has laid its Annual Report and Accounts before parliament (on 16 December), for the period April 2023 – March 2024.

Latest research reveals that young investors are making important investment decisions in a matter of hours, rather than taking the time to check out whether the product is right for them in the long-term.

Government has made progress in collecting repayments of COVID-era support loans issued to the sports and culture sectors – although risks remain to future recoveries and whether the repayments can be managed at scale, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report.1,2

Commitment to openness and transparency.

The Princess Royal visited 29 Regiment The Royal Logisitc Corps (RLC) at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks in South Cerney.

What do an 18th century chest used to select jury members, a Crimean war medal, and a box of mouches (beauty spots) from Paris have in common?

Proposals for a new platform - The Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System (PISCES) - on which shares in private companies will be bought and sold have been set out by the FCA. 

In May 2024 the previous UK government launched a call for input seeking examples of policies or guidance which wrongly suggest that people have a legal right to access all single-sex spaces and services according to their self-identified gender. 

Manufacturing output volumes fell at the fastest pace since mid-2020 in the quarter to December, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Manufacturers expect another steep drop in output over the next three months.

Two brothers have had their retrials dropped after their convictions were overturned in 2023 following a reference from the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).  

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, yesterday announced an extension of the Help to Buy Wales scheme, providing continued support for prospective homeowners and the housebuilding industry.

The roll-out of Martha’s Rule in NHS hospitals in England has already begun triggering “potentially life-saving changes in care” for patients, Martha Mills’ parents and the NHS yesterday announced.
 

Bill will strengthen democratic process.

Martin Sartorius, Principal Economist, CBI, responds to latest inflation data for November 2024

We've recognised pickleball as a sport and Pickleball England as its national governing body.

Major roadworks to carry out essential maintenance work on the A487 near Newport, Pembrokeshire, for eight weeks are set to begin from 6 January 2025.

The Council has yesterday published a new guideline for judges and magistrates sentencing strangulation and suffocation offences in England and Wales. We have also published the Council’s response to our public consultation on the draft guideline.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) confirmed yesterday (Tuesday 17 December 2024) that more support and resources will be made available in the new year for teachers preparing candidates for Higher History in 2025.

This briefing outlines techUK’s position on the changes proposed by the Government to the automated decision making (ADM) regime, as outlined in Clause 80 of the Data (Use and Access) Bill. The briefing also highlights the potential benefits of ADM for the broader economy. techUK supports these reforms. 

Station due to re-open in temporary state on Friday 20 December

We have received an update this afternoon from Stena that the Port of Holyhead will not reopen until 15 January at the earliest following the damage sustained during Storm Darragh.

Hundreds of trees have been planted inside the grounds of a hospital in Cumbria to help improve health and well-being.

The Lord Chancellor has announced that courts can now sit up to 108,500 days this year, helping to tackle the court backlog.

Scottish Secretary chooses Ukrainian schoolgirl’s artwork for Christmas card

Councils across England will receive almost £1 billion of new funding next year to tackle, reduce and prevent homelessness.

The Home Secretary has announced a package of measures to better protect the public and young people from youth radicalisation.

People with back, joint, and muscle issues living in areas with the worst waiting lists for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are set to be treated quicker and supported back into employment as the Government gets Britain working.

The Bus Services Bill will overhaul how bus services operate, delivering on our commitment to improve living standards across the country.

Ofsted yesterday published 3 additional recordings of school inspector training materials, following on from the first collection published earlier this term.

The UK has provided £35 million of emergency support to help Ukraine repair its energy grid and support the most vulnerable through a third winter of war, the Prime Minister yesterday announced.

A major deal to bring the Armed Forces housing estate back into public ownership has been agreed by the government.

Education Secretary and Business Secretary host call with business leaders from a range of key sectors to outline how the Plan for Change will deliver for them.

In Scotland there are 21,606 second homes and 43,538 properties empty for more than 6 months.

Data shows 6.3 million properties in England in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea or surface water

The gap between women and men choosing Computing degrees is the smallest it has ever been, analysis by the professional body has found.

We’re asking for your views on how we share some of our statistics.

New records reveal how algorithmic tools are being used in public services to enhance citizen support, enable quick and accurate decision-making, and drive technological improvements in critical government services.

There was a 12% decrease in all sector housebuilding starts and a 10% decrease in completions between 2023 and 2024 (year ending September).

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