WIREDGOV

Families will enjoy discounted attractions and meals out this summer, with the launch of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme to help people enjoy day out for less.

Manufacturing output volumes fell in the three months to May, extending a period of flat or falling volumes that began in late 2022 – according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Manufacturers anticipate output volumes falling again in the three months to August. 

New Implementation Plan sets out major reforms to child protection and social care, following ambitious Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026

A consultation has begun on draft guidance recommending 4 specialist liver preservation machines for routine NHS use, which could help more of the 600 people in England waiting for a life-saving transplant.

Ofgem has today (Thursday 21 May) set out a challenging but fair rulebook for assessing investment plans and controlling costs for Britain’s regional and local electricity distribution grid into the 2030s.

The Government has announced new funding packages for the ceramics and chemicals sectors, worth £120 million and £350 million respectively.

A new report by the National Audit Office (NAO) sets out a series of actions that can help the Department for Education (DfE) strengthen its oversight of local bodies to deliver the best outcomes for children and young people. This including being clear on responsibilities, collecting and using more insights on what works and costs, and targeting support and guidance where it can have most impact

South Gloucestershire Council turned away a domestic abuse survivor and her young children when they urgently needed help, after fundamentally misapplying the law designed to protect victims, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has found.

Figures released by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reveal a record number of referrals from police forces – and a big increase in the number of independent investigations taken on by the police watchdog.

John Foster, Chief Policy & Campaigns Officer, CBI, yesterday responded to the Chancellor’s announcement of further reforms on judicial review for major infrastructure projects.

Water companies will be required to prove their asset management systems are fit for purpose under a new licence condition proposed by Ofwat yesterday, covering infrastructure across its full lifecycle from acquisition through to disposal.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) produces some outstanding results from its investigations but needs to invest in its IT infrastructure, the police inspectorate said.

The Met Office is encouraging people to be WeatherReady this Bank Holiday weekend as temperatures are set to rise, with many expected to head outdoors and to the coast.

The new taskforce will make recommendations to improve transit systems so they can be delivered more efficiently across the UK.

The Sentencing Council has launched a consultation on a proposed guideline for using violence to secure entry (section 6 of the Criminal Law Act 1977).

In Africa, the approach to security threats fails when it neglects to replace the social functions these armed groups perform in their regions.

New reforms taking effect today will speed up offshore wind development while expanding targeted environmental compensation options to support nature recovery.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and The Lettings Industry Council (TLIC) today announce that the NRLA will now assume responsibility for TLIC.

Speech given yesterday by Baroness Chapman on transforming scientific discovery on Day 2 of the Global Partnerships Conference.

The new Welsh Government will pick up the pace to ensure people across Wales are seen faster for NHS treatment.

The Environment Agency has raised the height of Stockbridge Road near Timsbury and added a permanent, demountable defence where weed cuttings are caught.

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) has called on the government to rethink plans to restructure policing which is widely expected to result in expensive force mergers and the creation of “mega forces”.

Ofcom published thier latest research into the audio listening habits of people in the UK. 

The CMA’s initial investigation into Welltower’s purchase of UK care homes found competition concerns in 30 local areas

Guest blog: Chris Rea, Prospects at Jisc, discusses their new report showing a disconnect between young people's perceptions and AI's real impact on work and jobs.

Opening speech given yesterday by Baroness Chapman on Mobilising Finance at Scale on Day 2 of the Global Partnerships Conference.

We have fined a Glasgow-based company £160,000 for making over 700,000 unsolicited marketing sales calls to numbers registered on the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS), in a clear breach of law.

Diplomacy that does not disrupt the flow of foreign weapons, finance, and logistics into Sudan is underwriting, rather than ending the war.

Greater Together LA has officially begun with opening speeches from Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, co-host Sir Lucian Grainge CBE, CEO of Universal Music Group, and Kate Taylor Tett, Director of the GREAT Campaign.

Chancellor to announce ‘Great British Summer Savings’ – a UK wide scheme to help families enjoy this summer.

CBI yesterday responded to latest inflation data for April 2026.

UK Rivet Joint aircraft repeatedly and dangerously intercepted by two Russian jets over the Black Sea.

Bill introduced to Parliament this week will unlock growth and investment across the country and boost protections for consumers.

Wages and GDP to see boost as UK and Gulf strike historic multi-billion-pound trade deal 

Communities’ ambitions will be backed by a new Neighbourhood Guarantee, meaning cleaner streets, filled potholes and other vital public services

Civil engineering market study sets out recommendations to tackle long-standing delivery issues in road and rail infrastructure.

Arrest demonstrates Environment Agency's commitment to delivering its 10 Point Plan to tackle waste crime

The UK Government calls for more Welsh organisations to join a £50m nationwide veterans' support network.

Top Benefits of the UK-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement 

The UK has announced up to £20 million to support communities affected by the deadly Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

First Great British Railways‑branded train unveiled as services move into public ownership, with new branding rolling out across England’s rail network.

The First Minister and the Deputy First Minister of Wales have highlighted the Welsh Government’s ambition to expand funded childcare for children across Wales.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens holds her first call with the new First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth.

Patients, employers and GPs are set to benefit from an overhaul of the broken fit note system following the launch of several pilots by the Government yesterday to reform the system for workers who fall ill. 

Chancellor announces further reforms on judicial review of major infrastructure projects.

The government has published updates for a more consistent and accountable building safety system, acting on the recommendations in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The previously un-named grave of an Officer from Ireland, who served with the Royal Air Force has been identified and rededicated in his name more than 108 years after his death.

Consumer watchdogs to gain new investigatory powers

A Dstl project has revolutionised training delivery across the Royal Air Force, strengthening Britain's air combat capability and operational readiness.

Fraudster abused Covid support schemes and insolvency rules

National memorial service held at St Paul's Cathedral to remember Infected Blood victims.

SilentGlass is a plug-and-play cyber security device developed by NCSC and commercialised with support from GOTT, now licensed to a UK firm for global use.

Members of the public gathered in France yesterday (19 May 2026) to witness the burial with full military honours of a World War Two Hurricane Pilot. Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) George Morley Fidler was laid to rest exactly 86 years after he was lost.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to lead UK-convened international coalition to tackle global emergency of violence against women and girls. 

The Government has announced a support package for motorists.

Read more about the grant competition and how organisations can apply for funding

The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched a series of educational videos for councillors and council officers to help identify the growing risks posed by deepfakes and other forms of synthetic media.

New appeals process to be set up for those who accepted fixed sum offers on the Horizon Shortfall Scheme.

More than 135,000 children and young people in Wales are estimated to have a diagnosable mental health condition, according to a new report by Public Health Wales.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) delivery model for Sizewell C places more risks on taxpayers and consumers than other electricity projects, but the Department believes this model has reduced finance costs and will allow the project to be delivered on time and to budget. This novel approach has costs and relies on big assumptions, a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has found.

The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Local Government Association has launched a new product to help local authorities engage more effectively with the private sector, curate their area and services to better support businesses, and attract investment and growth. 

Transport Secretary sets out new HS2 costs and timelines after a full review, taking control of the project to cut waste, speed up delivery and save billions.

The Home Office has announced £100 million to fight child sex offences and protect victims and survivors, including £38 million for Operation Beaconport.

The government has launched a consultation on the details of the new High Value Council Tax Surcharge, to make the system fairer for households.

Thirteen British businesses have been awarded contracts of up to £4 million to work with the Ministry of Defence to boost rapid procurement and deliver cutting-edge technology for the UK Armed Forces.

Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, Darren Hughes, responds to the First Minister's priorities for the new Welsh Government.

A sexual predator who groomed a teenager he met online when she was 15 years old has his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened.

Three heritage funds have opened for Expressions of Interest, including the new £92 million Places of Worship Fund, as well as the second rounds of the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund and Heritage Revival Fund

Lower bills for families, hospitals and charities through energy efficiency improvements to heat networks.

£96 million to be allocated to create tens of thousands of placements on building sites across the country to plug skills gaps and boost housebuilding

A man who is suspected of facilitating the arrival of 19 illegal migrants into the UK has been arrested by the National Crime Agency.

South London director disqualified for Bounce Back Loan abuse.

Companies House has published its business plan 2026 to 2027. This sets out strategic objectives for the financial year.

Research shows that acting now to reduce nutrient pollution entering Lake Windermere can help protect its water quality from the effects of climate change

Andrew Moore, Cambridge Housing First Service Manager, discusses the benefits of having a space to collaborate on and advocate for Housing First and invites Housing First leads to join the Community of Practice.

Knife robberies have fallen by 21% as government action takes effect.

Foreign Secretary warns the world cannot wait any longer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as food security crisis looms for countries already on the edge.

Trump’s comments on Taiwan after his meeting with Xi and an apparent move towards ‘strategic stability’ with China could have consequences for Taiwan’s future and erode trust among US allies.

Organised crime gangs will be hit with raids, shop closures, and cash seizures in a £30 million crackdown on dodgy high street shops.

Tens of thousands of disabled people needing support to move into or stay in work will have their claims processed quicker, thanks to action taken by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Nineteen pioneering solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing the water sector have been awarded £58 million, as the winners of the sixth Water Breakthrough Challenge are announced.

UK National Statement for the 2026 World Heath Assembly as delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

In a highly critical report published yesterday (19 May 2026), the Charity Commission's inquiry finds serious mismanagement at the Players Foundation (previously known as the Professional Footballers’ Association Charity, charity number: 1150458).

Banks could provide critical intervention to stop UK offenders who pay for livestreamed child sexual abuse overseas, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has said. 

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reinvestigation of police contact with Darren Cumberbatch before his death, has concluded that five serving and former Warwickshire officers have a case to answer over their conduct.

With growing evidence that businesses that have higher gender diversity at boardroom level are more successful, the CBI and the University of South Wales have launched a free online resource aimed at driving more women into successful careers.

Catch up on the speeches from this year’s Annual Delegate Conference.

Businesses across the UK have one month from today to put a data protection complaints process in place, before new legal requirements come into force on 19 June 2026.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), in partnership with real estate advisers Bidwells, is launching NRLA Living to better support large portfolio landlords, Build to Rent (BTR) operators, investors, funders and associated professional services companies – alongside its core and growing membership.

The Pensions Commission has today (19 May) published its interim report on the state of retirement saving in the UK, setting out the key challenges facing the current system and where it will focus its work next.

Ahead of their biennial Congress, which is set to take place in Llandudno between 19 and 21 May, TUC Cymru has called on the newly elected Welsh Government to establish a new National Care Service which removes private profit from the system.

The UK’s cool and unsettled weather will make way for increasingly warm conditions on Friday, with the warmest day of the year so far on the way and pleasant weather at times through the weekend.

Parents urged to claim Child Benefit for their new baby to avoid missing out.

To mark The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Action Week (18–24 May), we want to share reflections on one of our community projects. In this blog post, Sara Griffiths discusses our learnings from recent outreach sessions in care settings as well as an activity suggestion for others.

Ministers announce the introduction of legislation to tackle late payments and protect small businesses.

The Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation, backed by us, is supporting the creation of more football clubs and organisations for women and girls in England.

Online bazaars operating through Telegram are key enablers of online scams using stablecoins for payments and industrialised money laundering, totalling hundreds of billions of dollars.

The Housing and Planning Minister's speech at the UK Real Estate and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) on 19 May 2026.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has strengthened how it supports the use of new science and technology in the transport sector, such as maritime decarbonisation and sustainable aviation fuel – but it must establish a clearer risk appetite to guide its investment decisions and provide better support to see innovative concepts through to widespread practical use, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report.

Opening speech by Baroness Chapman at the Global Partnerships Conference.

The Welsh Government’s new Cabinet met for the first time this afternoon, following the appointment of ministers to their new roles last week.

Waste carrier DTM Grab Hire Ltd has been told to pay out £16,664 after thousands of tonnes of waste were dumped on a floodplain.

APCC Joint Lead on Criminal Justice Danielle Stone has responded to the government’s Youth Justice White Paper.

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, who died on 15 May.

Cairo is working with regional partners for a diplomatic resolution to the war as it aims to improve its economy, counter Israeli dominance and restore focus on Gaza, Sudan and the Horn of Africa.

Ofcom yesterday announced it is strengthening its Illegal Content Codes by introducing a new recommendation that tech firms use automated detection technology to reduce the spread of illegal intimate images online.  

Blog posted by: William Malcolm, the ICO's Executive Director Regulatory Risk and Innovation, 18 May 2026.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) welcomes the creation of a High Street Organised Crime Unit, but urges the Home Office to rapidly review enforcement powers, resources, and measures to keep Trading Standards officers safe, to help further clamp down on organised crime on the high street.

Qualification reform continues to reshape England’s technical education landscape, with a clear focus on improving progression and outcomes for young people.

Young people across the East and West Midlands will have more work opportunities as Severn Trent becomes the latest backer of a government drive to tackle youth unemployment, pledging 400 roles in the water industry. 

The TUC is calling for “genuine reform” of the Personal Independence Payment scheme (PIP), as new analysis shows that disabled people are more than twice as likely to be unemployed compared to non-disabled people.

Stricter background checks to be introduced for waste carriers.

The latest in our series of events encouraging new ways to engage with our collections explored the feel, texture, and appearance of parchment.

Voices for Homeless is a peer-led group based on the simple truth: people with lived experience know what needs to change.

UK scientists and companies are at the heart of a pioneering mission, launched into orbit today, that will transform our understanding of how Earth is protected from the Sun.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is calling for a bold, modern approach to public-private partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate infrastructure delivery and spark growth across the UK.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) yesterday published its spring Outlook including the latest update on the annual levy for 2026/27.

Red Arrows set to tour the United States this summer to support 250th anniversary celebrations.

Initial strategic assessment commissioned into potential bid for Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England in the 2040s

Update on the administrator of the government's Bill Discount Scheme.

The government will modernise the Consumer Credit Act for the first time in over 50 years, giving consumers clearer information and firms the flexibility to innovate.

Last week, I launched my biggest survey yet of England’s children: The Big Future. But surveying children was not enough. I knew I wanted to continue to speak to, and crucially hear from, England’s children personally. 

National Crime Agency arrests for offences linked to people smuggling have gone up by more than 55 per cent in a year, according to new figures.

He accessed the company’s account when he was no longer director

Classified Russian government document revelations add to concerns that the adversarial nation’s undersea threat is both acute and invested towards a further-reaching campaign.

The Administration Committee has today published its report following an inquiry into health and wellbeing services available to those working in Parliament.

UK financial firms can adopt tokenisation and distributed ledger technology (DLT) with greater confidence, as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England set out a shared vision and seek industry views on the future of UK wholesale markets.

As the English devolution agenda continues to reshape the adult skills system, momentum is building across regions. Providers, employers, and policymakers are all playing an active role.

Education Secretary calls on global leaders to join International Alliance to deliver opportunity for all children with SEND.

Ofsted has published a letter with findings from a joint targeted area inspection of the multi-agency response to child sexual abuse in the family environment in Gateshead.

The new combustion permit regulates the diesel backup generators, and improves the site’s resilience in the case of a power cut.

British businesses stand to benefit from billions in fresh financing being unlocked through reforms to the bank ring-fencing regime

A lorry driver has been jailed for smuggling more than £7m worth of cocaine hidden on a vehicle carrying a consignment of Kim Kardashian’s Skims underwear and clothing.

Oil shortages as a result of the Iran war present a unique opportunity for ASEAN chair the Philippines to make progress on a South China Sea Code of Conduct with China. And for Trump to strike a deal.

Findings on the affordability, energy supplier service and views and actions towards net zero of businesses with a non-domestic contract.

The UK should return to the Law of Armed Conflict alone, rather than allow Human Rights Law Courts to interfere with conducting military action overseas.

In her speech, Bridget Phillipson called on global leaders to join an International Alliance to deliver opportunity for all children with SEND.

Criminals from two organised crime groups have been jailed over an elaborate plot to smuggle large amounts of cocaine through a UK airport, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Statement given recently (15 May 2026) by Helen King, UK Ambassador to ECOSOC, at the UN Economic and Social Council meeting on Safeguarding energy and supply flows: Supporting global development through international cooperation.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth will today chair the first meeting of the new Welsh Government Cabinet, setting out an agenda focused on outcomes, openness and action on the priorities of people across Wales.

The Environment Agency has issued an environmental permit variation to Angus Fire Limited in High Bentham, North Yorkshire.

In April, we published our updated approach and guidance about local authority assurance assessments ahead of starting the next phase.

Children and young people will get earlier support to steer them away from crime under a major overhaul of the youth justice system unveiled by the Government today (Monday 18 May).

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reviewed the latest international scientific, technical and workplace evidence on Great Britain’s asbestos control limit.

techUK is excited to launch its inaugural Supply Chain Security Campaign Week, taking place from 18–22 May 2026, bringing together insights and expertise from across our Cyber Resilience, Defence and National Security programmes.

A financial investigator who worked for Cumbria Constabulary has been jailed for four months for unlawfully accessing police systems and sharing confidential information following a directed Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

Blog posted by: Civil Service, 15 May 2026 – UK Civil Service.

British citizens and regional partners will be better protected against drone attacks as the Royal Air Force deploys a new low-cost anti-drone weapon on operations in the Middle East.

Rivelin Robotics, supported by Dstl expertise, has created microfactory technology that automates the slow, risky manual finishing of 3D printed parts.

The Communications and Digital Committee publishes the Government’s response to its report ‘AI, copyright and the creative industries’.

Blog posted by: Shelina Hargrove, Deputy Director for GOV.UK AI, GDS, 14 May 2026 – AI, GOV.UK, Transformation.

Protected salmon and trout died in the pollution incident, and the watercourse was still impacted two years later.

New data confirms a large increase in misconduct reports and the number of investigations we are having to undertake as result.

The Government has set out its vision for transforming care through its Neighbourhood Health Framework, supported by NHS England’s latest guidance to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) on developing Neighbourhood Health Centres (NHCs).

Rebecca Gray says it is a great opportunity to consider all aspects of mental health.

Funding available to help homelessness organisations become safer and more inclusive for LGBT+ young people, ensuring they experience respectful and consistent support when seeking help. And to improve practice and learning across the sector.

Durham Constabulary performs well in some areas of child protection and needs to improve in others, the police inspectorate has said.

Yeovil town centre will come alive with culture over the next two years, thanks to National Lottery players.

A survey conducted by Policing Insight, supported by a steering group comprising the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the Police Federation of England and Wales, the Home Office, and the Police Digital Service, has found that more than half of police officers are dissatisfied with the current provision of digital, data and technology (DDaT) within police forces.

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, responded to the Government announcement of a new Mental Health strategy for England 

A new wound research institute will develop effective treatments for chronic wounds, which cause suffering to more than 2 million people in the UK each year.

YPO generated 50% of leads at the Schools and Academies Show (SAAS) on 7 May, highlighting its extensive brand range and how schools and academies can collectively save £12 million by switching from branded stationery to its own-brand alternatives.

The Work Foundation at Lancaster University responded to the Public opinions and social trends figures for April 2026 released by the Office for National Statistics. Aman Navani - Senior Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University - commented:

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025/2026 is an annual report commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Home Office.

Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, responded to the conclusion of Ofgem’s prepayment meter installation investigation of British Gas