WIREDGOV

A new community shop and café has opened in Rogiet, restoring services the village had been without and creating a welcoming space for people of all ages.

HMRC interest rates for late payments will be revised following the Bank of England interest rate cut to 3.75% yesterday (18 December 2025).

The Mental Health Act gains Royal Assent following years of work by different governments and lobbying from NHS Confederation to update the 2007 Act.

Children have told the Children’s Commissioner that their parents and carers do not really understand their online experiences and would be shocked by how common some online harms are, but that if something bad happened online, many would not speak to their families first, if at all. 

People smuggling gangs storing small boats and engines in Germany now face 10 years in jail under new German legislation.

Proposals to strengthen protections for customers in Wales when they receive poor service from their water company have received the backing of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

The Mayor of London’s policy to provide free school meals to all pupils in state-funded primary schools has delivered a wide range of positive benefits despite having a limited effect on academic attainment, concludes a study led by UCL researchers.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred a man’s murder conviction to the Court of Appeal because of a new case which has changed the law to suggest that an alternative verdict of manslaughter should be left, in most murder cases, for the jury’s consideration at trial.  

Professionalising Resilience

Greater access to justice thanks to Government’s plans for legislation to help claimants receive funding to take on powerful organisations in court.   

Vijay Rangarajan, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, commented on the potential postponement of local elections in May 2026

On 16 December 2025, the UK government published the UK Security Export Statistics 2024, outlining the latest trends in the security sector’s international sales. The report highlights cyber security as the dominant segment of UK security exports, underlining its expanding global importance.

Changeable weather will continue to dominate in the run-up to Christmas before high pressure builds bringing drier but colder conditions.

A man’s sentence for violent crimes has been sent back to the courts by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) because the time he spent in custody in France awaiting extradition was not deducted from his sentence.    

Individuals and organisations linked to violence against civilians throughout Syria are today sanctioned by the UK as it continues to pursue those responsible for violence against the Syrian people.

Sarah Woolnough, the Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, responded to the latest NHS weekly sit rep data

Consumers should beware of unknowingly buying fake goods to gift to their loved ones this Christmas, says Citizens Advice, as reports of counterfeit goods are sharply rising

Cash grants will support short breaks.

Nearly three-quarters of women who gave birth in September were vaccinated, helping to give their babies vital early protection.

Air pollution will be the subject of the Environmental Audit Committee’s next inquiry, following a call for pitches from experts and the public.

People could find it easier to pay using contactless, thanks to greater flexibility and the removal of red tape by the FCA.

APCC Joint Finance Leads, Roger Hirst and Joy Allen, responded to yesterday’s provisional grant settlement for policing for 2026/27 

Rough sleeping verification is a process used by some local authorities and outreach services to confirm that a person is sleeping rough, usually by an outreach worker directly observing them sleeping outside. 

The Virtual School Model pilot programme has helped to address the needs of children looked after and support their educational progress an independent evaluation has found.

The Met Office outlook for the global average temperature in 2026 suggests an extension of the run of years with a value above 1.4°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has presented its Annual Report and Accounts to parliament for the period April 2024 to March 2025.

After recent flooding, which saw 18,000 properties protected during Storm Claudia, the Taskforce is focused on preparedness for the rest of winter.

Developed by the Department of Health and Social Care, the aim of these guidelines is to promote and support good practice and improve quality of service provision, resulting in better outcomes for people who use alcohol problematically. These are the first UK guidelines on the clinical management of harmful drinking and alcohol dependence.

More than £10 million in funding will support organisations delivering essential social care services across Wales, the Welsh Government announced today.

Treve Young was sentenced to 22 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months and ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is issuing a stark warning to consumers ahead of the last shopping weekend this festive period to be on their guard against unsafe products that are entering the UK and could pose serious safety risks to shoppers.

The Economic Affairs Committee publishes its report ‘Preparing for an ageing society’.

Views sought on extending Freedom of Information provisions.

The Governments of Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States have issued a joint statement on the deteriorating situation in South Sudan.

Above-average rainfall has put Bristol, Somerset, Dorset and part of south Gloucestershire into ‘recovery’ but part of Wiltshire still in prolonged dry weather.

New homes to be built while nature is recovered at scale as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill receives Royal Assent

Their bans as company directors begin on Christmas Day after a court ruling earlier this month

Scotland benefits from the strongest package of winter heating support

 Cllr Matt Boughton, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities committee responds to the announcement of the Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (VAWG)

Some councils have told the department that elections could derail once-in-a-generation plans to scrap wasteful 'two-tier' councils.

Government pledges to make it impossible for children to take, share or view a nude image – partnering with tech companies.

An Environment Agency investigation into a large illegal waste site in Lincolnshire has resulted in several convictions and large donations to charity.

Former Axiom Legal Financing Fund manager ordered to repay millions to investors. 

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy will focus on healthy relationships and consent, and tackle relationship abuse through a new helpline.

The Mental Health Bill has received Royal Assent to modernise outdated mental health laws and improve care for seriously ill patients.

Statement by the United Kingdom and the French Republic on Nuclear Policy and Cooperation.

Leaders from across the business community, trade union movement and wider civil society have welcomed the Employment Rights Act receiving Royal Assent.

More than £19.6 million in Welsh Government funding is set to revitalise town centres across Wales, delivering transformative regeneration projects that will create thriving spaces for communities to live, work and enjoy.

 Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee responds to the publication of the Public Health Grant 2026-29 for local authorities

New process will cut waiting times and support earlier skin cancer diagnosis.

The government's landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill has received Royal Assent today.

The AI Security Institute's Frontier AI Trends Report, a public assessment of how the most advanced AI systems are evolving, draws on 2 years of testing AI capabilities in areas critical to innovation and security, including cyber, chemistry and biology.

Almost 100,000 extra outpatient appointments will have been delivered across Wales by the end of December.

A major update to the joint Media Protocol was published yesterday, reinforcing the principle of open justice and supporting greater transparency in the reporting of criminal proceedings.

Defence Programme Manager Jeremy Wimble looks back at the changes to UK Defence in 2025.

New law strengthening protections for sheep, cows and other farm animals.

Over 15 million people across the UK are expected to benefit as the Employment Rights Act receives Royal Assent.

Bounce Back Loan fraudster convicted following Insolvency Service investigations

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak comments on the latest inflation figures showing a larger than expected fall of 0.4 points in CPI from 3.6 in October to 3.2 per cent in November

Yesterday UKRI announced budget allocations for the spending review period which includes over £1 billion for quantum technologies. This funding sits within UKRI’s new outcome-focused budget framework and will be delivered across multiple funding streams, reflecting quantum’s role as a cross cutting strategic technology. The allocation spans the full spreading review period, through to the financial year 2029-2030 and is intended to support the entire pipeline from fundamental research through to commercialisation.  

An Official Statistics in Development publication for Scotland

New Board will put farming at the heart of government decision making and back growth for British farmers

Hospitals in England are “on high alert” this week, amid industrial action and a continuing stream of winter viruses.

A former teacher at a school in Surrey, previously convicted of sexually abusing two pupils, has been found guilty of a series of further sexual assaults on a third pupil. 

techUK welcomes the announcement that the UK will rejoin the EU’s Erasmus+ programme from 2027. This is a hugely positive step for the UK’s education, skills and talent ecosystem and a clear win for young British students.  

Actions to combat sexual abuse set out alongside next steps in national review.

A joint investigation has been launched by Information Commissioner’s Office and the Data Protection authorities of Jersey, Guernsey, and Isle of Man into the cyber incident that compromised data of the trade union Prospect Custodian Trustees Ltd (Prospect) in June 2025. 

The backlog of people waiting to have their work capability assessed is to be significantly reduced through a package of measures that will reduce UK welfare spending by £1.9 billion by the end of 2030/31.

Ruth Rankine responds to government announcement on changes to urgent dental care.

The House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee yesterday published its report, ‘Chagossian views on the Agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago’

Funding to help regions adapt to climate change.  

Local business enjoys sweet success in Japan following UK’s access to major trading bloc.

Supply Coordination Forum launched to mitigate any delivery risk to Northern Ireland’s veterinary medicine supply

Following a referendum vote, the BMA Welsh resident doctors committee formally accepted the proposed contract, negotiated in partnership.

Communities are better protected from illegal waste operators following a successful year of roadside checks by the Environment Agency, police and partners.

A dangerous driver who collided with another vehicle before killing two teenagers had her sentence extended after the Solicitor General intervened.

The funding injection is aimed at restoring pride, and councils will have more resources available to bring back libraries, youth services and community hubs. 

Businesses and workers affected by changes at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot site will be able to access an extra £22 million in support from the UK Government.

Learner drivers are facing long waiting times and some are paying up to eight times the standard rate for a driving test through third parties due to a failure from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to resolve test booking issues, a new National Audit Office (NAO) report has found.

The UK has met with allies as part the Combined Space Operations Initiative (CSpO), a ten-nation space coalition spanning four continents, to discuss the security of space.

UK Government takes next step to enable donation of proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club (F.C.) to help the grave humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

Customers warned they need to be alert to scams ahead of 31 January Self Assessment deadline.

We’re excited to announce that the CIH Level 3 Certificate in Rough Sleeping Outreach Services is on the way.

The NHS is urging patients not to put off coming forward for care, with thousands of resident doctors expected to walk out on strike for five days from today.

The westbound A55 Conwy tunnel will close from the 10th to the 19th January for essential road safety works.

Full power of the state will be deployed in the largest crackdown on violence perpetrated against women and girls in British history, as part of new strategy.

The UK and EU have agreed that the UK will join the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027, along with further progress in other areas of the UK-EU reset.

CMA interim report highlights persistent issues in the civil engineering market for roads and railways – which appear to hinder UK growth and productivity.

Developed jointly by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, this new framework outlines how mental health, and drug and alcohol services should work together more effectively. The framework sets out a clear and shared approach to improving treatment and support for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions through better integrated care.

Trial pilots across Wales have successfully registered over 16,000 new voters automatically, an independent evaluation has found, paving the way for a more accessible democracy.

The government is consulting on a new licensing scheme designed to save lives by blocking illegal knife sales and imports.

New figures from Public Health Wales show that opioids continue to drive the majority of drug misuse deaths in Wales, prompting renewed warnings about the significant harms associated with these substances.

Plans for a new regulator to bring together standards across buildings, products and professionals in the construction sector have been announced today.

UAE Scotland Week to promote trade and attract investment.

Women will benefit from groundbreaking research and innovation designed to eliminate health inequalities at Wales’ first Women's Health Research Centre.

Beverley Warmington appointed DVSA Chief Executive to lead agency operations and deliver plans to cut driving test backlog and improve services for learners.

A new referral service will connect victims with help through their GP and there's up to £50 million for therapeutic support for child victims of sexual abuse.

A government review of the Regulator of Social Housing has concluded.

The UK has committed £600 million in air-defence capabilities, including cutting edge turrets that can shoot down Russian drones to support Ukraine through the winter.

Whole life orders for murders connected to the police, prison or probation officer's current or former duties

We are looking for young people's thoughts and ideas on the opportunities and risks of emerging and disruptive technologies.

Marine Recovery Fund to get nature thriving and accelerate offshore wind development

Vital chemical production at Grangemouth protected as Government provides over £120m support package in £150m joint investment

Last week saw a significant step forward in the journey to modernise Great Britain’s grid connection process, as part of DESNZ and Ofgem’s Connections Action Plan and NESO’s TMO4+ reforms.

The Culture Secretary has launched the once-in-a-decade review of the BBC’s Royal Charter with the aim of bolstering trust in the broadcaster and putting it on a sustainable financial footing.

The rise of ‘minilateral’ Europe now stands at a crossroads. Will countries seek to structure the new ad hoc formats to retain a distinct European security community, or risk further fragmentation?

We are asking for views on new proposals as the next step in shaping the UK’s crypto rules.

CBI Wales yesterday reacted to the introduction of the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024.

Minister Malhotra, Minister for Indo-Pacific, FCDO, recently delivered a keynote address at the Tokyo Economic Security Forum on 15 December 2025.

The Greater Bay Area (GBA) Network organised a guided tour of the “Centre for Future Construction” (CFC) for members and guests on 27 November 2025.

Exam board issued more than £2 million in combined penalties for breaking Ofqual regulations in 3 cases.

Former Heath Secretary Alan Milburn yesterday launched his groundbreaking investigation into the causes of record unemployment and inactivity among 16 to 24 year olds with a call for young people and a range of experts to come forward with their views.

There were 327,746 local authority housing stock units as of March 2025. 3.0% of the total local authority stock was vacant, however this includes stock that will be demolished or cannot be currently let as it needs modernisation.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has published its environmental sustainability strategy for 2025 to2030.

There are growing concerns that the AI sector may be overvalued. If an AI bubble does burst, China could benefit in the long term.

In Scotland there are 20,927 second homes, 44,453 properties empty for more than 6 months and liable for Council Tax and 44,989 properties with unoccupied exemptions from Council Tax.

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer is due to appear in court charged with misconduct in public office following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

Three years since Wales made it illegal for parents to physically punish their children, a new review shows it is protecting children and promoting positive parenting.

UK applicants can now apply to 2026 calls under the following EIC schemes.

Blaise Metreweli, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service on how SIS is keeping the UK safe in a world where the rules of conflict are being rewritten (15 December 2025).

Readiness, resilience and reconnecting society and the military at the heart of speech given to RUSI members, held in Banqueting House.

Publication of correspondence between six key business organisations and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the Employment Rights Bill.

Case studies of projects delivered through UK involvement in the European Space Agency's General Space Technology Programme (GSTP) from 2019–2025.

Today I’m launching recruitment for my third – and final – group of Youth Ambassadors. As I begin my final year as Children’s Commissioner for England in March, this cohort of Ambassadors will play a critical role in holding decision makers accountable for what we need to see happen to improve children’s lives.

Seasonal workers encouraged to check their pay to ensure they're not out of pocket.

This report was issued in December 2025 and covers the time period 1 November 2025 to 30 November 2025 inclusive.

Flat owners in England and Wales could get better access to fast, reliable broadband under new proposals set out in a government consultation.

First Minister John Swinney has extended his condolences and spoken of the Scottish Government’s solidarity with Jewish communities in Scotland and around the world following the terror attack in Sydney on the first night of Chanukah.

While STC controlling the majority of Yemen’s southern littoral may constrain the Houthis’ ability to operationally expand attacks into the Gulf of Aden, the benefit may outweigh the costs.

Precision treatments tackling the hardest-to-treat cancers set to be produced from hundreds of tonnes of reprocessed uranium from nuclear reactors.

NICE Chairman, Sharmila Nebhrajani, yesterday announced Professor Jonathan Benger CBE as incoming chief executive, with effect from Friday 19 December 2025 taking over from Dr Samantha Roberts.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Leadership for Peace.

The public will be asked to help shape the future of support for people with dementia and their families, as a new 10-year strategy was published yesterday.

The Electoral Commission has concluded an investigation into campaign group Best for Britain. The announcement is part of the Commission’s monthly update on concluded investigations.

A temporary export bar has been placed on a manuscript journal detailing Captain John Narbrough’s expedition to Spanish America and the Pacific

Ofcom is seeking views on proposed industry Guidance relating to how tech firms respond to requests from bereaved parents about their child’s use of a service in the event of their death.

Local colleges set to receive £570 million to expand training facilities and places to train the next generation of skilled workers.

New standards ensure consistent help across Scotland.

First-time buyers and the self-employed could get a step-up onto the housing ladder, under new plans from the FCA.

A husband, who manipulated a young child into helping him to kill his wife, has been found guilty of murder, having previously been acquitted of the crime in 2017. 

TUC Cymru yesterday (Monday) warned of the serious threat to Welsh industries like automotive, metals and plastic manufacturing posed by policies put forward by Conservatives and Reform.

More victims of domestic abuse will receive better protection through nearly £500 million as part of the forthcoming Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.

This plan sets out actions to accelerate active restoration of habitats and species across Scotland and support communities interested in undertaking restoration.

Ofcom’s first assessment since the Online Safety Act came into force highlights early progress, remaining gaps, and what businesses should expect in 2026.

New £2.3m fund backs 30 farm tech trials testing lower emission machinery, digital tools and peat-free compost to boost productivity and sustainability.

Round two of the Connect Fund opens for applications in New Year.

Cryptoassets firms will be backed to innovate and grow under plans to make the UK a global destination for digital assets and attract more investment.

The Welsh Government has published its Disabled People's Rights Plan, a 10-year commitment to making sure disabled people can participate fully and equally in every part of life in Wales.

UK marks one year of CPTPP as Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra MP visits Japan further deepening economic ties.

Alarming events in nuclear proliferation, space security and hybrid warfare meant 2025 was a year in which the international security order deteriorated.

UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) will invest over £140 million in drone and counter-drone technology in its first year of operation.

Advice has been accepted on eligibility from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for the spring 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme. 

Scotland has taken a major step in strengthening its international space industry links with the signing of a new agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

In a short time frame, the Khaf-Herat railroad received a flurry of Russian and Iranian oil shipments.

Our Head of Policy Delivery, Charlene Maginnis, answers your questions on how the new social value model in Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 002 applies when using frameworks.

Director sentenced for fraud and falsifying accounts.

A new process came into effect yesterday to speed up the planning process and make Wales a more attractive place for investors.

Smartphones are ubiquitous. Around five billion people out of a global population of just over eight billion have access to a one.

In her first public speech, the new Chief of MI6 Blaise Metreweli will set out how MI6 is tackling new and emerging threats to the UK and its allies.

The Bank of England successfully navigated complex risks and interdependencies to deliver its Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) renewal programme, incorporating innovation and best practice in managing this digital transformation, says the NAO.

Record £9.5 billion early years investment next year to help families access affordable childcare and boost growth by supporting parents back into work.

Business organisations are clear that there remain concerns about many of the powers contained in the Employment Rights Bill. 

Before we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to celebrate everything we have achieved together through the 2025 Justice and Emergency Services Programme.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred a man’s sexual offence conviction to the Court of Appeal, after it was determined that police did not follow all reasonable lines of enquiry into possible alternative suspects. 

This week marks 20 years since the Buncefield explosion in Hertfordshire – one of the largest industrial incidents in Europe and the UK’s largest peacetime explosion.

Ofcom has today launched investigations into BT and Three following outages in the summer that resulted in UK-wide disruption to mobile call services, including to emergency services. 

The third UK-EU Cyber Dialogue took place on 9-10 December. Both sides agreed to hold the next UK-EU Cyber Dialogue in London in 2026.

First Minister John Swinney has raised his concerns about reports of intended large-scale cuts by the UK Government to its development assistance budget to Malawi.

Northern Ireland continues to experience the highest levels of digital poverty in the UK. 

The UK’s intelligence community must adapt to stay ahead of intensifying hybrid threats that blur the line between war and peace.

A major breakthrough, delivered through Project SIREN, directly supports the UK’s future integrated air sensing capability and provides a clear operational advantage.

As of friday, visitors to The National Archives can request access to records from Parliament’s Archive which are now housed at Kew.

FSCS has confirmed that the 13 firms below were declared in default in the last four months – which means they have gone out of business and are unable to meet any claims themselves.

An improved train timetable across Wales started friday.

The UK-funded Climate Finance Accelerator South Africa has opened its fourth call for proposals, offering tailored support to low-carbon projects.

English artists, creators and music businesses will benefit from expert guidance as Arts Council England launches a new Music Growth Package Advisory Group. 

Blog posted by: Marc Bowie, 11 December 2025 – delivering value, Evolve, Justice Digital Strategy.

Around 50,000 specialist places to be created nationwide – making sure more children with SEND can thrive alongside their friends at their local school.

Scotland's first summit on neurodevelopmental support will take place today, Monday 15 December.

Delivered recently (12 December 2025) by Kumar Iyer, Ambassador and Permanent Representative for the UK Mission to the WTO and UN in Geneva.

CQC’s 2026 national maternity survey is happening soon.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak recently (12 December 2025) commented on ONS figures showing GDP falling by 0.1% in the three months to October 2025.

A 56-year old man has been arrested during a day of action to tackle waste crime in Lancashire.

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs responded to the latest growth figures

New Technology Services 4 framework helps public sector organisations modernise digital systems and adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technologies.

More than £41m extra will be invested into general practice this year as part of a deal struck between the Welsh Government and GPs.

Synthetic phonics, where children are taught to pronounce sounds in isolation before putting them together to form words, isn’t working for many struggling young readers, a study led by UCL has found.

NHS leaders welcome General Medical Services Contract Reform for 2025-26, with measures key to supporting the shift to providing care closer to home.

Revealed: The 14 Scottish most in need communities each to benefit from up to £20 million UK Government Pride in Place Programme funding.

We study four reforms that cut non-health-related benefit provision and find each reform led to increased disability benefit claims. 

The new strategy aims to lift 550,000 children across the UK out of poverty by 2030

For months, there was a pattern with Layla and her ideas. It would start with her working on the same problem for weeks.

New unified organisation to speed up how Defence gathers and shares intelligence.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak commented on ONS figures showing GDP falling by 0.1% in the three months to October 2025 

Technology Minister Ian Murray returns from the latest G7 Ministerial gathering in Canada with strengthened tech ties and new agreements in key areas.

The Homelessness Strategy makes a welcome pivot towards prevention, but must go further to restore control, order, and hope to British streets, says the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ)

The Government’s plans to fund energy efficiency improvements in the private rented sector are financially unviable for most landlords, according to new research published by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).

Sandra Ferreira is CEO Designate of Homeless Link member, the Ferry Project in Wisbech. She is keen to share her learning about language and trauma informed care with homelessness practitioners:

The latest CBI Economic Forecast finds businesses swimming against the powerful tides of weak demand, elevated labour and energy costs, and ongoing domestic and global uncertainty.

Take the bus for a festive day out this Christmas.

Demand for specialist places has rocketed over the last decade.