WIREDGOV

National Drought Group confirms water resources are healthy in first meeting this year

Following the news that the Renters (Reform) Bill will be making its way back to the House of Commons for the report stage of the legislative process, the NRLA has issued a statement setting out why MPs must ensure the Bill makes the transition into law as soon as possible.

Delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister

Today (Thursday 18 April) the UK has sanctioned a further seven individuals and six entities who have enabled Iran to conduct destabilising regional activity, including its direct attack on Israel.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan host EdTech roundtable in the heart of government.

A man who sent suspicious packages containing white powder to schools, retail outlets and shopping centres has been jailed.

The Office of Rail and Road’s report, published today, finds some disabled passengers experience accessibility difficulties with the rail complaints process. There is also a lack of awareness of how to seek redress for booked assistance failures.

We recently announced that the Department of Health and Social Care asked us to take a lead on ICETRs for the next 2 years.

The Serious Fraud Office’s strategy, launched on 18th April 2024, sets our organisation’s direction, shaping our values, approach and goals over the next five years.

The world teeters on the edge of a wider conflict in both Ukraine and the Middle East. In Gaza, Kharkiv and Khartoum, life is ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short’.

Prosecutors charged 10 per cent more hate crime cases in the final three months of 2023, statistics out today (April 18) show.

Support should be prioritised over punishment when helping young people who want to quit vaping, according to public health experts. 

Home Office criminal and financial investigators arrested 4 suspected people smugglers.

More than 43,000 claims have been received by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) since 2019 for total pensions losses reaching almost £2billion when authorised financial providers and advisors went out of business, according to new analysis of FSCS claims data, with four out of five made by men.

Participating teams and mentors from our North East Regional Network have been hard at work since November to conceptualise, plan and deliver projects as part of the region’s first ever Project Management Challenge competition.

Each year, from June-October, polar climate scientists from the Met Office produce a series of monthly sea ice briefings for the government and the general public.

The judgement shows litigation can be used to hold governments to account on their climate ambitions – but much will depend on policy outcomes.

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) today publishes the Government’s response to its report on scrutiny of international treaties.

Consultation on VAT relief on everyday charitable donations will be launched before 23 July 2024.

Deputy Prime Minister warns UK is “in cyber and economic contestation with an increasing range of state and non-state actors”.

CBI yesterday responded to inflation data – April 2024.

A speech delivered by Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan, at the Manufacturing Technologies Association exhibition on Tuesday 16 April.

Marking 50 years since its formation, YPO, one of the UK’s largest public buying sector organisations, is celebrating a golden milestone with a celebration event, a national tour of local authorities and a significant dividend for member councils.

On Tuesday 16 April, the Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies (CFCS) at RUSI changed its name to become the Centre for Finance and Security (CFS).

Help keep our people safe as we push the boundaries of cutting-edge science and technology.

A new Care Certificate for social care workers is being launched in June 2024. Craig Wade, Sector Manager for Health and Social Care, explains what it is, who the care certificate is for, and where to get it. 

UK and Vietnam agree closer cooperation to stop the boats.

Cabinet Secretary response to latest NHS Wales performance data – February and March 2024.

A man who set alight two elderly worshippers as they left mosques in London and Birmingham has been sentenced to a hospital order - and cannot be released without the approval of the Secretary of State. 

Fines and costs dwarf licence price as anglers caught in Southampton, Bermondsey and West Drayton

Annual report for 2023 produced by the Independent Chair of the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland (PNBS).

As delivered by Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (16 April 2024).

Recently I completed a two-day visit to the Middle East, where escalating violence continues to take an unconscionable toll on the lives of children.

Integrated care systems are enabling the improvement of dementia diagnosis by supporting collaborative working across the health and care system, new research from health and care think tank The King’s Fund finds. 

Parliament agrees continuation of policy and increase to 65p.

Residents and businesses in mid-Wales have helped to create a world-first initiative to by taking part in the trial of a digital deposit return scheme (DDRS).

On 15 and 16 April, techUK organized a members delegation to the 8th edition of the UK-US SME Dialogue in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Hungary, Italy, and Greece demonstrate the danger of embracing populist policies Hungary, Italy, and Greece demonstrate the danger of embracing populist policies

Five council areas named as first to get Pension Age Disability Payment

Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation Darren Hughes responds to the Health and Social Care Committee report on the Nurse Staffing Levels (Wales) Act

Dr Maya Singer Hobbs, senior research fellow at IPPR reacting to today’s house and rent price data

Government has taken further action to help secure the UK's supplies of critical goods with the launch of the new Critical Imports Council.

More than a quarter of a million workplace training places for benefit claimants have been delivered in just three years, new data reveals.

DASA seeks innovations to provide protection for land based assets from air attacks

Children disproportionately wearing the scars of the war in Gaza - Geneva Palais briefing note

The Secretary of State, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today announced the new appointment to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

The start of a new tax year causes a mechanical boost to the Chancellor’s ‘headroom’, but the post-election fiscal challenge remains daunting.

More than £3 million of government funding has been awarded to emerging video game developers and start-up studios to help them scale their businesses and create the next British gaming hits.

Today we’ve published the latest figures for complaints we’ve received about the UK’s main landline, broadband, mobile and pay-TV providers.

Statement follows the eighth meeting of the UK - U.S. SME Dialogues in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

techUK is delighted to announce its first-ever delegation to VivaTech on 22-25 May in Paris. VivaTech is France’s biggest technology conference and one of the largest in Europe with over 11,400+ startups and 2600+ investors in attendance covering every tech vertical. The key themes of the conference are AI, Climate Tech, Smart Mobility, Deeptech, Internet & Democracy, the Creative Economy and Gaming & E-Sports. You can see all the sessions here.

First Minister launches new technology to decarbonise global shipping.

Millions are being invited to switch from physical immigration documents to an eVisa – a key step in creating a modernised and digital border.

The National Cyber Security Centre announces new partnership to deliver the Protective Domain Name System (PDNS) service.

After what feels like weeks and indeed months of wind and rain, there is some good news on the horizon.

As Patron of SafeLives, The Queen has joined a discussion with Changemakers, younger pioneers of the charity, at Buckingham Palace.

Memorandum of understanding to unlock offshore wind expertise.

A high-ranking member of an organised crime group (OCG) that trafficked heroin and cocaine has been convicted following his extradition by the National Crime Agency.

Four UK trade associations have partnered to form the first Trilateral AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum.

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

New legislation has yesterday been passed in the Senedd that will modernise and simplify the process behind developing significant infrastructure projects in Wales.

Ofsted has today published a subject report looking at how religious education (RE) is being taught in England’s schools.

Organisations and academics can apply for TRIG funding to research innovative ideas to improve transport in the UK.

She will succeed Sir Robert Stheeman as Chief Executive Officer of the UK Debt Management Office this summer

A cooler labour market may lessen the focus on inactivity and ill-health, but policymakers and employers must continue to help people get into and stay in work

A special event to help anyone interested in a career in tech is being held in central London by BCS Women - part of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

ScottishPower Energy Retail Ltd will pay £1.5 million in refunds and compensation after it charged customers above the price cap during the height of the energy crisis.

The Charity Commission has concluded its inquiry into Jamia Hanfia Ghosia Mosque and Princess Street Resource Centre.

Scotland ‘leading the way’ on global climate action and just transition.

Three men from Leicestershire and one from Nottingham have pleaded guilty to fishing without a licence.

Thousands of child victims of domestic or sexual abuse are being forced to navigate complicated and often traumatic criminal justice processes alone, without being offered specialist support.

Chief constables will chair police misconduct hearing panels.

A new call for evidence launched today aims to capture and consider views about how the duty of candour is honoured, monitored and enforced.

As part of its efforts to consolidate an ‘axis of resistance’ across the Middle East, Iran has been working to settle populations in Syria who subscribe to the Twelver branch of Shia Islam.

Professor Sir Chris Whitty writes for The Guardian on smoking addiction and MPs historic opportunity to vote on the tobacco and vapes bill.

The UK participated in a joint shareholder statement on Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) Callable Capital in response to the G20's Review of MDB Capital Adequacy Frameworks.

Defence Minister, The Earl of Minto, yesterday addressed the Black Sea Security Conference in Bulgaria.

While the global economy is showing signs of strong growth, public debt levels in emerging markets are rising at an alarming rate.

Final report of the evaluation of the Suicide Bereavement Support Service (SBSS).

The Electoral Commission has fined the Conservative and Unionist Party £1,500 after concluding an investigation into the party’s failure to accurately report donations and loans. 

Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has launched a ticket fraud awareness campaign, warning people to be alert to fraudsters trying to catch out people planning for popular and sold-out events.

A new survey conducted by Public Health Wales has shown that most people in Wales support schools and nurseries having a role in health and wellbeing outcomes for under 18s.

People convicted of murder or rape who have had their applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) turned down could have their cases re-opened to allow new DNA testing, available as a result of developments in DNA techniques, to take place. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak yesterday made a statement to the House of Commons on Iran’s attack on Israel.

Despicable people who create sexually explicit ‘deepfakes’ will face prosecution under a new law announced by the government today (16 April 2024).

MPs to vote on legislation to create first smoke-free generation, protecting young people turning 15 this year or younger from harms of smoking.

Ofcom has today provided updates on how it will make spectrum available in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands – known as millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum.

A North Wales Police officer will appear in court following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the use of force on a teenager.  

This month marks a big milestone in CCS’s calendar: we are celebrating our 10-year anniversary, following a decade of success and delivering value for our customers.

The UK’s commitment to European security was reaffirmed by Defence Minister Minto on a visit to Bulgaria yesterday (15 April).

CBI has responded to latest labour market statistics.

A council tax freeze will be delivered in all of Scotland’s local authorities after Argyll & Bute became the final council to accept Scottish Government funding to keep rates at last year’s levels.

Future Winemakers’ Scheme will help domestic wine sector to continue its success.

Four alleged members of an organised crime group that specialises in smuggling criminal cash out of the country and into Albania have been arrested in a National Crime Agency investigation.

New approaches to teaching project management in universities are needed to ensure the profession will be able to address challenges like climate change and digital transformation, according to a leading academic.

Conservatives failures are costing families with jobs and living standards, says TUC.

Justin Bedford, UK Modern Slavery Envoy, shares info on UK’s modern slavery programme, Work in Freedom, at OSCE Alliance conference.

The strikes demonstrated a more assertive approach from Tehran, but the region’s security now depends on Israel’s ability to play a longer game.

Ofcom yesterday announced changes to their Access Services Code and associated best practice guidelines, to improve the accessibility of TV and on-demand programmes for audiences.

To strengthen safeguards, medical examiners will look at the cause of death in all cases that haven’t been referred to the coroner.

Report demonstrates public sector purchasing power.

As Children’s Commissioner, I have spoken to hundreds of thousands of children, parents, and carers, hearing about their experiences of school, and the barriers that sometimes prevent them from getting a good education.  

NHS cancer checks have topped three million in a year for the first time – more than doubling in the last decade.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is supporting health and social care organisations to ensure they are being transparent with people about how their personal information is being used.

A summary of the CMA's latest paper on AI Foundation Models (FM), and its plans to help encourage open, fair competition and good consumer outcomes in the FM sector.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has secured an 30-month prison sentence and a £123,000 confiscation order for Jeffrey Cook, a former Ministry of Defence (MoD) official.

G7 Leaders joined a call on Sunday following Iran's attack the previous evening.

A plumber who converted blank firing guns into lethal weapons has been jailed for seven years and two months following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Israel’s attack signalled a shift in its strategy towards Iran. Tehran’s response and the US promise of ‘ironclad’ support for Israel risks escalation of this transnational conflict.

This POSTnote summarises wildfire threats and management in the UK, and outlines options for increasing the resilience of UK landscapes and habitats to wildfire.

In March 2022, Nick Fewings, MD of Ngagementworks, published Team Lead Succeed, based on his 30+years of both leading operational and project teams, and subsequently facilitating team development around the world.

In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks.

Over £3.8 billion of taxpayer money has been saved by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) in the last year alone, as the agency celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

More than £9 million is being made available over the next three years to give people who access social care more choice and control over decisions relating to their care.

Tehran’s dilemma is finding a response that maintains its position in the ‘axis of resistance’ but does not precipitate an escalation which it would likely lose.

As a training provider, understanding the Adult Education Budget (AEB) is crucial for effectively serving adult learners in England.

A spokesperson for the Equality and Human Rights Commission recently (12 April 2024) gave a statement on the final report of the Cass Review.

The strategic partnership announced recently (12 April 2024), bolsters the UK Government's ambition to be world leader in AI.

Today we’re publishing our online safety research agenda, which sets out the areas of research that will help to inform and underpin our long-term work as the UK’s online safety regulator.

New analysis has shown that ‘no fault’ Section 21 evictions have led to households being threatened* with homelessness over 80,000 times since the Conservative Government first announced it would ban the practice.

A numerical ocean model is a computer programme representing the equations of motion (momentum, conservation of mass and thermodynamics) for the ocean. 

CCW has responded to Thames Water’s decision to make a £30 goodwill payment to around 26,000 customers across the Guildford and Godalming area, who were left without water during interruptions to their supply in November 2023.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today calls for the establishment of a new select committee, to consider sound financial practice and value for money in sensitive areas which are outside the remit of the statutory Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament.

Words from the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel.

CBI recently (12 April 2024) responded to latest GDP figures.

Reforms to occupational health services will be shaped through a £1.5m innovation fund, as the government continues its drive to tackle in work sickness and boost economic activity using new technology and artificial intelligence.

Noting that the Prime Minister did not agree to his call to end the license of arms exports to Israel, the First Minister has written to Lord Ahmad to warn that the UK Government is in danger of being complicit in the killing of innocent civilians.

Prime Minister Kishida’s state visit to Washington focused on security, but that alone will not be enough to influence the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

HMS Lancaster seizes almost £33 million worth of drugs in the Middle East.

The recent (12 April 2024) action brings the world’s two largest metal exchanges into the scope of existing bans.

Iran's failed attack on Israel highlights the danger of miscalculation and escalation in the Middle East. With the risk of further conflict and the looming threat of a nuclear Iran, the region faces a dangerous crossroads.

Recently announced plans for a Sino-Russo lunar nuclear plant signal Russia’s eastward realignment in space cooperation and hint at China’s renewed willingness to publicly cooperate with Russia.

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at the free market think tank, the Institute of Economic Affairs, commented on former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s review of forecasting and communications at the Bank of England 

Tough action taken against directors to tackle Covid loan misconduct

The National Crime Agency has arrested a senior staff member of a scam company, joining law enforcement across the continent to crack down on “JuicyFields” – a notorious and elaborate Ponzi scheme.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched its 2024/25 Sector Support programme.

A licence to fish for the day would have cost the angler £7.10. His fine for not getting one? £220!

A masked thug who took part in a violent burglary has had his sentence doubled after it was referred to the Court of Appeal.

Victoria Harrison will become UK ambassador to Slovenia in August 2024, accompanied by her guide dog Otto.

With the public sector in Wales continuing to face significant financial, demand and workforce pressures, the plan outlines the vital role of Audit Wales in supporting good governance, financial management, ensuring value for money and identifying early warnings of problems arising.