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Martin Sartorius, Lead Economist, CBI responds to latest inflation data for January 2026

Up to 30,000 extra care hours projected.

We are pleased to announce that two further individuals have been convicted following our extensive investigation into the unlawful accessing and sale of personal information obtained from over 400 garages across the UK, as well as claims management and insurance companies. 

A former Bolton Council worker has been jailed for defrauding almost £900,000 in DWP benefits from vulnerable adults whose finances he was employed to protect.

Suspended sentence for fraudster who emptied company bank accounts

The CIPD responds to the latest official labour market statistics

New proposals for onshore renewable energy developments.

The UK’s policing leads for child sexual abuse (CSA) are yesterday warning that despite unprecedented levels of law enforcement action to tackle offending, advances in technology and the reliance on online platforms to communicate are significantly increasing the opportunities for offenders to engage with and sexually abuse children.

The Upper Tribunal has upheld the FCA's decisions to ban Stephen Joseph Burdett and James Paul Goodchild from working in financial services. 

Millions of adults facing debilitating anxiety conditions are missing out on treatment that could help them recover and get back on with their lives the NHS has said, as it launches a major new mental health campaign.

William Ellis, senior economist at IPPR responds to the latest inflation statistics

Expansion of NHS 24 Mental Health Hub and support for children and young people in crisis.

New guidance means millions of people will get access to medicines that protect the heart and kidneys, while NHS savings of £560 million from using generic dapagliflozin can be reinvested elsewhere in NHS care.

Public Health Wales has published a new report examining loneliness, social isolation and social connection across the nation, drawing on findings from the 2025 flagship report from the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Connection.

Illegal skin lightening products continue to be found across the UK, with Trading Standards officers reporting their sale in an increasingly wide range of outlets, including butchers, specialist food shops and small grocery stores, as well as online.

Treasury control over transport spending is holding back regional growth, new research from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) reveals.

Clarifying the law on Religious Observance at school.

The £110 million investment in the North Hykeham Relief Road will also mean faster journeys and less congestion for people across Lincoln and Lincolnshire.

Dstl’s trial has supported the development of next‑generation atomic clocks for the UK’s defence needs.

Environment Agency has granted an environmental permit variation to Rathlin Energy Ltd, following a public consultation on the Agency’s ‘minded to’ decision.

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

Findings show that 2,544 deaths in England were associated with cold weather across 3 cold episodes recorded between November 2024 and January 2025.

A generational UK Government commitment to modernise Welsh rail is set to support 12,000 jobs across Wales.

Almost 1.5 million households have received a £25 Cold Weather Payment since December, providing vital cost of living support to help people stay warm during cold weather.

A new partnership between English Football, the UK Football Police Unit and Ofcom will streamline collaboration in their collective fight against online abuse in football.

Joint likeminded statement on the occasion of the second anniversary of Alexei Navalny`s death on 16 February 2024.

Nice has recommended the first disease modifying treatment for arginase 1 deficiency (ARG1-D), an ultra-rare, inherited and progressive metabolic disorder, for routine use in the NHS in England.

As the leader behind Supporting People and Everyone In, Dame Louise Casey has celebrity status in the world of homelessness relief. Given her deep understanding of the strengths and challenges of our sector, we have been intrigued to see her launch the Casey Commission, an independent review into adult social care.

The newly-opened Economic Growth and Investment Fund is designed to support companies that offer skilled, well-paid employment opportunities and help them grow.

A rapist has faced justice 20 years after committing his crimes, following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

150,000 disabled adults to keep £400 more cash each year to help with cost of living, and £700 million to support tens of thousands of home adaptations.

Vulnerable children to be protected in Sri Lanka, as the country signs a letter of intent to join the UK’s Global Charter for Children’s Care Reform, during a visit to Colombo by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy today (Tuesday 17th February 2026).

The FCA has fined Richard Howson £237,700 for his part in misleading statements being issued by Carillion plc.

The first annual report on hate crime recorded by the police, under Section 15 of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.

Forensic science in England and Wales is not working. Not for the police, not for forensic scientists or lawyers and ultimately, it is not working for the public and the criminal justice system. 

Statement given yesterday from the Children’s Commissioner on plans to tighten online safety laws.

Unlawful developments are being left permanently in place across England because under-resourced councils are running out of time to act, a new report from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman yesterday revealed.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating following an incident in Liverpool in which a man died after being stopped by police.

TfL's Sarah Hope Line marks a decade of supporting people affected by lifechanging or traumatic incidents on the TfL network.

Last week, RUSI Director-General Rachel Ellehuus joined global leaders at the 2026 Munich Security Conference, engaging in high-level discussions on transatlantic security and defence.

Convicted takeaway boss ordered to pay back funds following Insolvency Service investigations.

The National Residential Landlords Association has announced a closer partnership with RentGuarantor.

Government are addressing challenges faced by creative businesses in accessing finance.

techUK is delighted to be on the ground in New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit 2026, the first summit in this landmark series to be hosted in a developing economy.  

The Electoral Commission has concluded an investigation into the Irish Republican Socialist Party. The announcement is part of the Commission’s monthly update on concluded investigations.

The first reports from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services’ (HMICFRS) latest fire and rescue service (FRS) inspection programme will be published in March 2026. 

The UK’s largest dedicated tribunal centre is set to open in London.

Jobseekers are to benefit from the roll-out of mobile jobs vans across Great Britain – appearing outside leisure centres, supermarkets and even football stadiums.

Some of Scotland’s leading start-up tech companies will have the chance to secure orders and build contacts in New York and New Jersey under an expansion of the Techscaler International programme.

Europe is being recast, sharper and stronger, reflecting the world order at work in the forge.

A construction company has been fined after a worker sustained serious injuries when he fell from a ladder during renovation works in London.

An Assembly Committee has called for urgent action to address, ‘unresolved weaknesses’ in the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) and expressed concern that recommendations it made five years ago have not been fully implemented.

Baroness Chapman speech given yesterday outlining the UK’s commitment to a modern partnership with Africa, priorities on health security, sovereignty and multilateral reform.

New replacement ambulances and response vehicles will soon be on the road thanks to a £23.1 million investment by the Welsh Government.

On Monday 16th March between 2:30 – 4:00pm Homeless Link will host an online workshop on behalf of the UK Right to Food Commission. 

High Court backs Environment Agency over illegal boats.

Blog posted by: Aggie Michael, 17 February 2026 – Uncategorized.

February is often regarded as a transitional month with winter beginning to loosen its grip while early hints of spring quietly emerge.

UK and international partners to redouble efforts for AI to transform public services, create jobs and drive renewal for people worldwide at AI Impact Summit.

Initial findings from Barnardo’s Scotland consultation with children and young people, on behalf of the Scottish Government to seek their views on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill

Joint Statement given recently (14 February 2026) by the UK, Sweden, France, Germany and The Netherlands on Alexei Navalny's death.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has declared an independent investigation following the death of a woman at a West Midlands Police (WMP) custody block.

New TUC analysis published recently (Sunday) revealed that the average woman effectively works for 47 days of the year for free and only starts earning from today compared to the average man.

Innovators across the UK are being offered £20 million in grants for technology designed to reduce harm and death from drug and alcohol addiction.

Milestone reached in energy efficiency support scheme.

The UK has officially gone from a leader to a laggard when it comes to supply chain laws. 

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and California Governor Gavin Newsom sign new  agreement in London, building on decades of cooperation on climate and clean energy.

A new campaign to provide practical ways for organisations to protect themselves from common online threats.

Our comment piece for Inside Housing discusses how our Unhealthy State of Homelessness report can help ensure the government’s strategy breaks the cycle of worsening ill health and homelessness.

The list of celebratory events that will be supported by the St David’s Day Fund 2026 was recently (15 February 2026) published by the Welsh Government.

UK and partners have recently (14 February 2026) exposed the tragic circumstances surrounding Alexei Navalny's death and have confirmed there was poison found in samples from his body.

The Government has published a statement and guidance on local supported housing strategies under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.

UK will bolster regional security by deploying a Carrier Strike Group to the North Atlantic and High North.

Dstl’s partnership with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funds crucial defence research, including AI to boost intelligence analysis.

Unpaid carers, disabled people and people with lived experience of social care will have a say on local services after Scottish Parliament regulations come into force.

The Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) Sarah Owen has written to the Business and Trade Secretary and Culture Secretary calling for stronger legislative protections to tackle misogyny and the silencing of victims in the music industry and the creative sector in general.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a friendlier tone to European nations, but the elephant in the room – the rupture between the US and its NATO allies – remains, says Bronwen Maddox.

Thousands of people living with schizophrenia and severe depression are being recruited by the NHS for a major new study which could unlock a “new era” of personalised treatment for severe mental illness.

A total of nine current or former police officers who featured in the BBC Panorama documentary on Charing Cross police station have been found to have committed gross misconduct, following the latest accelerated misconduct hearing held by the Met yesterday.

Rapid testing for bacterial infections is being rolled out in community pharmacies and GP surgeries across Wales.

Government response: Espionage cases and the Official Secrets Acts.

FCDO statement given recently on parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.

From 24 January to 12 April 2026, The National Archives is hosting the exhibition 'Love Letters', exploring 500 years of expressions of love.

Year-long programme will celebrate creative dialogue and shared heritage of the two nations.

The Welsh Government has invested more than £600 million in its Help to Buy – Wales scheme, supporting thousands of people across the country to achieve their dream of homeownership.

A man has been given a suspended prison sentence after he carried out dangerous and illegal gas work on a property in Bournemouth which could have resulted in carbon monoxide poisoning.

New acoustic weapon detection system will help keep soldier safe on the battlefield by helping to locate and target positions of enemy gunfire, mortars and explostions.

New vaccination campaign launched to boost uptake of childhood immunisations.

Visit marked one year of progress, new investment and a growing workforce.

The Kremlin’s weaponization of video games for recruitment and influence is no longer a theoretical risk.

The Government will give parents and carers greater clarity and support as the Prime Minister announces immediate action to make the online world safer for children.

Blog posted by: Holly New, 13 February 2026 – Early careers, Recruitment, Skills.

Statement given recently (13 February 2026) by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

Bus passenger numbers have jumped in some of Wales’ most scenic outdoor locations, according to the most recent figures.

Learn about the role we play in backing aspiring winter sports athletes through our investment of National Lottery and Government funding into talent and support programmes.

The upcoming African Union summit is an opportunity for African leaders to reset the union’s role on Sudan and take decisive action to end the war.

The FDA recently responded to the announcement that Sir Chris Wormald has departed the role of Cabinet Secretary, with FDA General Secretary Dave Penman describing it as a “new low” for the government’s relationship with the civil service.

The disruptive power of space weather often hides behind the wonder of the auroras for many people.

A new package of support will help early years settings strengthen their workforce and improve outcomes for children from the very start.

A report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission providing recommendations on animal welfare indicators which could form part of measures in future iterations of the Good Food Nation Plan.

Statement given recently (12 February 2026) by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

Speech delivered recently (13 February 2026) by Emma Cochrane, Acting Executive Director, Consumer Protection at the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The demand connections backlog presents a structural impediment to data centre operators across the UK, threatening the growth of the sector as projects wait up to 8 years to be connected to the energy grid. 

A man wanted in connection with a fatal small boat crossing last year has been arrested in Liverpool by officers from the National Crime Agency.

Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at the IEA, responded to a government consultation on banning vaping in workplaces, pubs, clubs and cars

Boost to payment set to support 12,000 children.

UK will spend over £400 million this financial year on hypersonic and long-range weapons including joint projects with France, Germany, and Italy.

Largest ever enforcement workforce protecting waterways from pollution including five new teams for the Anglian area.

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, commented on judicial review brought by Good Law Project

Court waiting times to process legitimate possession cases by landlords have increased despite a fall in the number of cases brought to them, according to new government data.

If your broadband or landline provider goes out of business and another company takes over, you can continue to use the services you’ve been used to. In most cases this should happen without any interruption to your service.

We have updated our guidance for inspectors assessing safety and quality of hospital care provided in a non-designated clinical space.  

The CMA has imposed a £473,000 penalty on Euro Car Parks for failing to respond to a notice that legally required the company to provide information.

A BBC report published last week indicates that there has been a five-fold increase in the number of refugee households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the last four years.

Rory Deighton responds to government’s acceptance of Pay Review Bodies' recommendations for NHS Agenda for Change staff

Strengthening financial sustainability measures.

Following the National Behaviour Summit in 2025, the Welsh Government has announced a new package of projects to support schools across Wales with behaviour, wellbeing and engagement.

Largest ever enforcement workforce protecting waterways from pollution includes seven new teams for the South East

Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) have discovered a tiny RNA molecule that could explain how life on Earth began.

Responding to the announcement from DHSC of the consultation into new measures to address smoking and vaping in some public places, Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: “No child should be exposed to second-hand smoke or vapour clouds when using public spaces designed for their health, education, and play.

A former Imam has been convicted today (Friday 13 February 2026) of numerous non-consensual sexual attacks on women and girls in East London.

Early Support Hubs across England to receive a £7 million funding boost to bolster services for young people.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is not confident that government-backed bank National Savings & Investments (NS&I) is able to successfully deliver its Transformation Programme.

Proposed sites include the first ever on the River Thames in London

Ofsted has today launched a new way for education providers to celebrate and share their inspection report cards with parents, carers and the wider community.

With the National Centre for AI in Policing – dubbed Police.AI – UK policing is stepping up its pursuit of cutting-edge tools, but cost-effective, impactful delivery requires more than a new name.

A couple who stockpiled lethal weapons, manufactured ammunition and discussed preparing for a so‑called “race war” were yesterday jailed at Kingston Crown Court, alongside two associates who purchased firearms from them.

21 organisations have now received almost £500,000 in total for projects across the UK.

Around 175 school pupils and college students from across South Yorkshire visited the fair to find out about jobs in clean energy.

On 11 February 2026, the UK Government published its long-awaited draft of the Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services (SSP). 

English Heritage has uncovered a remarkable collection of early 20th-century love letters.

Border Force and police seizures of ketamine and cannabis at all-time high and Border Force ramps up the return of foreign smugglers.

Defence apprentices celebrated for National Apprenticeship week as Defence Minister visits Babcock International to witness the future of defence manufacturing.

Liz Lloyd, Minister for the Digital Economy, spoke to techUK Future Telecoms Conference 2026 on 10 February 2026.

Action to protect the environment and marine waters.

The development of the new hypersonic missiles will speed up thanks to a £12 million contract which will benefit British-based businesses.

Putin must walk a fine line between doing the minimum required to support its nominal ally in the region, while ensuring that Russia retains its relevance in the Middle East.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds' speech on Food Security, Resilience & Standards: UK Agricultural Strategy in Europe at the British Ambassador's Residence in Paris (12 February 2026).

A serving Nottinghamshire Police officer yesterday (Thursday 12 February) received a 12-month community order for causing the death of a man struck by the police van he was driving while taking a detainee into custody. It follows an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Ambassador Holland rejects Russia’s false claims about the OSCE, stressing that it is Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, refusal to engage with OSCE mechanisms and continued detention of OSCE staff that undermine the organisation. The UK remains ready for meaningful dialogue at the OSCE, but this should be based on facts and law (12 February 2026).

Children and young people are receiving faster access to mental health support, as waiting times fall across Wales.

Kanishka Narayan, Minister for AI and Online Safety, spoke at Founders Forum on 10 February 2026.

You ask an AI system a complex question about your work. It responds clearly, confidently, and in polished prose.

Following seemingly incessant rainfall for many locations in the UK, there is a brief respite as colder conditions will temporarily take charge.

The government is launching a consultation on extending smoke-free places and introducing vape-free and heated tobacco-free spaces

Our Director of Operations Emma Luxton provides information on our review of past e-discovery software.

Hundreds of school leaders will benefit from extra training opportunities to further develop their leadership skills, helping to improve job satisfaction and bring benefits to the schools where they work.

Weekly UKHSA report for the 2025/26 season, monitoring respiratory viruses.

North Tyneside Council has agreed to pay £5,900 to a family after the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found it failed to provide promised specialist technology that would have allowed a child with special educational needs to learn from home - the second time the Ombudsman has ruled against the council for the same child.

New funding for social care, hospices and non-domestic rates relief.

Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, responded to the latest NHS waiting list figures

Capel Rhondda, the birthplace of one of Wales’ most recognisable hymns, Bread of Heaven / Cwm Rhondda, is now safe in the hands of the community.

In 2031, the UK will once again count itself. The census will measure who we are, where we live and our living conditions.

Future‑proofing safety

The Committee for Communities has concluded its scrutiny of the Sign Language Bill, marking the end of almost twelve months of intensive engagement, evidence-gathering, and legislative refinement.

Challenging the myth that higher social spending is incompatible with economic success, new IPPR Scotland analysis confirms that many European countries with high spending on social protection measures such as benefits, childcare and training, also sustain highly productive, innovative and dynamic economies.  

Crisis and incident management focuses on how an organisation responds when things go wrong — whether it’s a minor hiccup like a systems outage, or something major like a natural disaster, cyberattack, or reputational crisis. 

The Council has published a research review of the overarching guideline for sentencing offenders with mental disorders, developmental disorders, or neurological impairments, which came into force on 1 October 2020.  

Anne Pardoe, Head of Policy at Citizens Advice, responded to the announcement by the Financial Conduct Authority that Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) borrowers will benefit from stronger protections from 15 July 2026, following the Government’s decision to bring the sector FCA’s regulation

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the conduct of two Lincolnshire Police officers following the death of a man shortly after his arrest.

A new book by Dr Madsen Pirie argues that the current mood of pessimism is wrong and that Britain, and the world, could be about to enter its most creative and prosperous era in history. 

A former police officer and West Mercia Police Federation treasurer has been convicted of fraud after using members' funds to pay for family holidays, alcohol, and entertainment.

We were alerted to the unexpected closure of PM Law Ltd and associated firms on Monday 2 February.

The surge in patients waiting more than 12 hours in emergency departments to record levels is very concerning.

Ancient wheat collections might hold the secret to tackling a new pathogen strain that could devastate UK wheat crops.

Dr Parth Patel, associate director at IPPR, responded to the Representation of the People Bill