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Poor literacy and homelessness are strongly interconnected, and the relationship works both ways. People with low literacy skills may face barriers that make sustaining stable housing more difficult, for example, having limited employment opportunities, difficulty navigating complex systems like housing applications and welfare benefits, and challenges in reading bills or understanding contracts. Homelessness can also worsen literacy challenges through interrupted schooling, digital exclusion and lack of accessible learning provision.

The CIPD responds to today's announcement on Government apprenticeship funding, noting that wage grants or other direct support to employers would be more effective at increasing opportunities

The UK and Ukraine have launched the second round of the InnovateUkraine programme, which will support a further 14 green energy innovation projects with a £17m investment from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Toys, clothes, bags and more featuring designs inspired by London's transport network can be found in stores worldwide and online

Cutting-edge technology being used to help prepare for future droughts

The government wants Gen Alpha (born after 2012) to be ‘the healthiest generation of children ever’, but what about Gen Z? While some of Gen Z (currently aged 13–28) are still categorised as children, a large proportion are transitioning into adulthood or are already fully fledged adults. So, were Gen Z any healthier than previous generations? And is there anything the government can learn from the changing health patterns of this generation?

Senior officers in local government are set to benefit from new digital and AI leadership skills to drive forward transformation in their councils and communities.

Storm Bram will bring strong winds and very heavy rain to northern and western parts of the UK, with Amber warnings issued.

Thousands of children living in poverty across Wales to be helped as the UK Government launches its Child Poverty Strategy.

Ofgem today unveiled sweeping proposals to speed up grid connections, whilst at the same time warning network operators to hit tough new targets or risk facing financial penalties. 

Support for businesses on more islands.

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) unveils how its financial backing for SMEs has helped take innovations from concept to military deployment, while also transforming other sectors like healhcare, transport and telecommunications.

New anti-corruption strategy 2025 will drive dirty money out of the UK, strengthening national security and putting more money into working people's pockets.

Mothers and babies in England will receive safer care thanks to the roll out of a first-of-its-kind safety signal system across NHS maternity services.

The FCA has set out a suite of measures to empower retail investment, reinforce wholesale markets and maintain the UK’s position as a world-leading financial centre. 

Initiative launched to help businesses and boost local economies.

A new expert panel chaired by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy will meet for the first time today (Monday 8 December), to make sure the UK remains a leading global centre for legal services.

Travelling football fans advised to plan early and follow updated guidance for the United States, Canada and Mexico ahead of next summer's tournament.

HM Land Registry publishes avoidable requisition data to help conveyancers cut delays, improve application quality and access free training.

Almost one million young people will benefit from learning or employment opportunities as a result of a major £820 million funding package.

A further £2.5m in Welsh Government funding has been announced for the creative industries in Wales.

The UK has unveiled work on its groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme, which will make Britain more secure secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities.

Government calls on public to back Britain's businesses on Small Buisness Saturday

The UK will host a major international summit next summer to tackle the flows of dirty money around the world, which are making the UK’s streets less safe.

The £725 million package of reforms to the apprenticeship system will help to tackle youth unemployment and drive economic growth, with thousands more young people expected to benefit over the next three years.

Projects designed to support and sustain Wales' journalism sector have been awarded funding.

The Home Office has published new guidance, survey findings and an open consultation on a future legal framework for biometrics and facial recognition. techUK will submit a response and invites members to share their views to help shape a clear, trusted and future-proofed approach.

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, responded the publication of the national Child Poverty Strategy 

Oxford spin-out and London startup have been selected for artificial intelligence (AI) projects in carbon monitoring and space environmental intelligence.

Professor Ashwin Kumar, director of research and policy at IPPR, responding to the government’s child poverty strategy

An Iraqi man who had been extradited to Italy and convicted of terrorist offences there, was jailed for two years and three months on 5th ​December for returning to the UK illegally in a small boat.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA), in partnership with Food Standards Scotland (FSS), has published the UK's first safety guidance for cell-cultivated products (CCPs).

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, responded to the announcement from the Department for Health and Social Care on the digitisation of adult social care services 

We’re proud and excited to share that London PLUS has been awarded funding as part of the 2026–30 #LondonCouncilsGrantsProgramme!

The number of children aged under 16 in England is expected to decline by 6% over the next decade – policymakers will have to decide how to respond.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza reacted to the government’s Child Poverty Strategy

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the actions and decisions taken by Avon and Somerset Police, prior to the death of a teenager on the M5 in Somerset on Sunday (30 November). 

In May 2024, we reported on the potential to do more to detect fraud and error in community pharmacy by improving how data is centrally analysed by the NHS in Wales.

The Education Secretary has announced a new timeline for the complete removal of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from all schools and colleges across England by 2029.  

A new briefing paper from the Institute of Economic Affairs argues that spontaneous order – the emergence of complex systems without central coordination – provides strong grounds for resisting Government action, especially when proposed to correct market failures or promote efficiency. 

Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre is set to be transformed by nearly £2 million of Welsh Government funding to improve facilities and increase childcare provision for local families.

Please see the statement below regarding an evaluation by the National Physical Laboratory published today of the accuracy and equitability of Police National Database’s retrospective facial recognition (FR) technology tool.

Multi-year funding gives local authorities the funds they need to provide passengers with lower fares, more frequent and reliable services and safer journeys.

The Crown Prosecution Service has today announced charges against a former doctor for alleged sexual assaults carried out against 38 victims who were patients in his care.

A raft of measures designed to support the growth of the mutuals sector have been announced by the financial regulators.

Around 550,000 children will be lifted out of poverty by 2030 – the biggest reduction in a single parliament since records began – as the Government launches its Child Poverty Strategy today (Friday 5 December).

A new report from the NAO looks at how the NHS identifies and supports people living with or at risk of frailty before they reach the point of medical crisis or hospital admission. With the population aging, the NAO finds GPs are not providing the required support and follow-up for people diagnosed with frailty

Today the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee publish a report on their inquiry: Workforce planning to deliver clean secure energy

A former CPS paralegal who accessed a criminal’s case file without authorisation has today been sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

The UK and Germany have announced plans to work even more closely together to unlock the vast potential of quantum technology.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan welcomed political leaders to Wales today for the British-Irish Council, to discuss unlocking the potential of the creative industries.

GAD’s work in climate-related reporting has been highlighted in a new report from the National Audit Office.

Nationwide takedown of illegal delivery riders leads to over 170 arrests.

Four in five care providers now use digital social care records, helping almost 90% of people who draw on care.

UK and Germany launch initiatives to deepen people-to-people ties, delivering on commitments made under July's Kensington Treaty.

16 recommendations to improve working conditions in the creative industries.

Without fundamental cultural change among academics, research security will become a box-ticking exercise for universities.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband yesterday spoke at the Nuclear Industry Association's Nuclear 2025 conference.

An Assembly Committee says the primary care sector here is in crisis – and is calling for radical change - in a new report which exposes serious failings in how access to GP services is provided.

Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, calls for the OSCE to do more to utilise its migration mandate.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates has expressed his ‘deep concern’ on a decision taken by the Office of Rail and Road’s (ORR) to reduce two Avanti services affecting North Wales and the borders in its December timetable change.

Political parties registered in the UK have reported accepting £24,159,261 donations and public funds during the third quarter of 2025 (July to September), according to figures published yesterday by the Electoral Commission (Opens in new window). 

A man who kidnapped and sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened.

Owners of Bitcoin and other digital assets will benefit from greater legal protection thanks to an important clarification to the law.

The Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty has released his Annual Report for 2025, on infectious diseases. 

This draft National Islands Plan has been laid before the Scottish Parliament. It will replace the version published in 2019. Under an overarching population retention and attraction objective, it provides a programme of actions to address challenges and opportunities facing Scotland's islands.

On 27 September 2018, a winding-up order was made against Essex and London Properties Limited (Company number 05426323) and the court appointed the Official Receiver as Liquidator.

The UK Government and European Commission gave a statement after the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework meeting.

Scotland’s space sector will receive a major funding boost to accelerate breakthrough technologies and boost commercialisation, the UK Space Agency recently (03 December 2025) announce today at Space-Comm Expo Scotland.

Communities invited to submit beloved traditions – from Highland dancing to Pancake Day – for recognition as UK living heritage.

A plan setting out how Shetland’s seas will be managed sustainably to support local communities, protect marine life and tackle climate change was yesterday published.

The third year of construction on an Environment Agency flood defence scheme has been completed, resulting in 2300 properties being better protected.

Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn plan direct London–Germany high-speed rail by early 2030s, making travel greener and easier.

Adam (not his real name) was in a 16-year-long relationship with his wife and abuser before she was convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour in summer 2025.

The Charity Commission has announced the next 12 charities entering a class inquiry it opened in May 2025.

The NHS in Scotland has not improved in line with commitments made by the Scottish Government, despite having more staff and more money.

Launch of consultation on the use of facial recognition and biometrics in law enforcement accompanied by promise to better equip the police.

Large-scale waste dumping in East Anglia, costing farmers more than £6,000 per incident to clear. Criminal gangs targeting farmland with lorry loads of waste.

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 Brighton and Hove.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has provided an update on its action to tackle cookie compliance, which has brought the vast majority of the UK’s most used websites into compliance with rules on the use of advertising cookies. 

The Local Government Association (LGA) and campaigners are calling for urgent action to tackle the exploitation of vulnerable people through ‘patient brokering’ in England’s drug and alcohol treatment sector.  

Ofcom yesterday fined AVS Group Ltd – which runs 18 adult websites – £1 million for not having robust age checks in place, plus £50,000 for failing to respond to information requests

London Liverpool Street is Great Britain’s busiest railway station for the third year running with almost 100 million entries and exits, the Office of Rail and Road has confirmed. Elton and Orston in Nottinghamshire is once again the least used station with 68 entries and exits.

Wales must urgently shift towards a prevention-first approach to health to address stagnating life expectancy and mounting pressures on its health services, according to the Chief Medical Officer's Annual Report published yesterday.

Gillian Cooper, Director of Energy at Citizens Advice, responded to Ofgem's latest announcement on energy network charges

Pubs could stay open for extra time next summer.

Up to 35,000 service personnel to receive extra travel support this Christmas to reunite with their loved ones.

Digital Education and Media Literacy in Schools, the latest report from the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA), was launched this afternoon at the House of Lords. Supported by Currys, the event brought partners and policymakers together to examine how young people across the UK are navigating a digital environment that is expanding in speed, scale, and complexity.

New programme launched to help schools tackle avoidable costs and agency staff mark-ups, so every penny is invested in young people.

How to report cyber crime and fraud is changing.

People with heart disease will be able to do their recovery sessions from home rather than travelling for rehabilitation appointments after our independent committee conditionally recommended 7 digital platforms for use in the NHS.

A man who repeatedly sent abusive messages which included references to ‘killing Jews’ to a prominent Jewish MP’s constituency office has been sentenced at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today. 

The NHS is facing an unprecedented flu wave this winter with “no peak in sight yet” according to England’s top emergency care doctor.

Energy network companies have been given the green light for multi-billion-pound funding to strengthen the stability, security and resilience of our energy networks. This investment will upgrade power and gas grids, creating a future-ready system that better shields customers from volatile energy bills.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis's speech given yesterday at 22 Bishopsgate on the government's action to tackle cybercrime.

Speaking at the NATO Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Brussels yesterday (Wednesday 3 December), the Foreign Secretary pledged £10million to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.

A new transitional relief scheme will help businesses manage rates changes from next April.

Trainee teacher numbers reach highest point since pandemic as government progresses towards its pledge to recruit and retain 6,500 additional teachers.

Statement from the Environment Agency and Oxfordshire County Council, on behalf of the strategic communication group for illegally-dumped waste at Kidlington.

This is the first use of the Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime to disrupt funding for Pro-Khalistan militant group Babbar Khalsa.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Fleet Solid Support build programme starts with steelcutting ceremony at Appledore shipyard, as Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry initiates the process.

Savings for families on baby formula as government brings in measures to help tackle child poverty.

Professor Alexis Jay to chair National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group.

From Thursday 4 December 2025, anyone needing to report cyber crime or fraud will be directed to our new Report Fraud service.

The result of Russia's war of aggression is a product of the ambivalence of the West, which by turns supported Ukraine's defence in the conflict and refused to escalate its response to a level consistent with the threat Russia poses. The rules-based order is at stake, and Ukraine stands alone in its defence.

More homes, better high streets and support for businesses are on the way as six fast-tracked devolution areas have secured multi-billion-pound funding.

Hundreds of thousands of patients attended A&E last winter for everyday niggles such as hiccups and ingrowing nails, according to shocking new NHS data.

The UK government has accepted all of the recommendations in full.

A package of support designed to help learners and families navigate the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system has been announced, following a review of ALN legislation, listening to families and learnt lessons from delivery across Wales.

TUC Cymru is today (Thursday, 4 December) launching a petition calling on the next Welsh Government to establish a National Care Service for Wales. 

The Electoral Commission yesterday published updated guidance aimed at improving support for disabled people at polling stations in the May 2026 elections. 

APCC Local Policing leads yesterday marked the launch of Winter of Action.

Victims will be put first under plans to modernise the criminal courts and cut delays, the Deputy Prime Minister recently (02 December 2025) announced. 

A former teacher who abused his position of trust to target and groom a girl 20 years ago has been convicted of sexual offences.

In all of the major fiscal announcements last week, most notably Wednesday’s Budget, there was a notable lack of financial support for digital infrastructure, particularly around energy costs.

A Warwickshire Police officer will appear in court this week charged with stealing property including cash and jewellery, following an investigation directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The UK government needs a more strategic approach to deal with potential espionage and foreign interference from Beijing.

This year marked the 48th TUC Trade Union Comms awards.

As automated vehicle technologies develop, we want to ensure that they do so in ways that strengthen safety, widen access and safeguard the public.

£500,000 fund opens to help remove employment barriers.

Organisational resilience is the ability of organisations, infrastructure, and communities to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, adapt, and thrive amidst disruption and evolving conditions.

A 45-year-old man has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting four young girls he was looking after at a nursery in London. All the victims were aged three or four.

On 02 December the Ending Homelessness APPG Co-Chair Bob Blackman MP led a Parliamentary debate focused on funding for homelessness.

First new option since 1902 introduced.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued a series of enforcement notices and practice recommendations to several public authorities after identifying significant failures to comply with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000.

Report: Espionage cases and the Official Secrets Acts­

All secondary school pupils will be able to access new education materials designed to help increase understanding about common women’s health conditions

The transformed station will improve links between Wales and the rest of the UK, breaking down barriers to travel and jobs.

Targeted support for island infrastructure.

Combined fleet of at least 13 warships, bolstered by autonomous systems, will hunt Russian submarines and protect critical infrastructure in the North Atlantic as part of new agreement.

Best Start Family Hubs to act as one-stop-shop for parents with SEND professional and services to support speech and language development confirmed.

More than 53,000 juvenile fish stocked into South East waters this winter. Fishing-licence income funds habitat improvements across the region.

Local people are invited to join their neighbourhood boards to have a say in shaping their areas over the next decade as part of the Pride in Place programme.

Director sentenced for theft and fraudulently removing company property must repay funds

Funding of up to £130,000 will be paid out to 9 small and medium-sized firms, exploring ways to solve challenges within the freight and logistics industry.

The government has recently taken further action to ease the cost of living having frozen rail fares, prescription fees and uprated the Triple lock.

The Welsh Government has reopened its Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) Development Loan Scheme for 2025/26 and has allocated £36 million to support the delivery of low-carbon homes for rent in the social sector and help improve existing homes.

The Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (ISAC) has partnered with the University of Manchester to access its research and expertise and drive forward recommendations for the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

Specialist staff to work with donors and their families.

Stroke patients in England are getting life-changing treatment more than an hour earlier thanks to a revolutionary “fast-track” AI tool, a major study has revealed.

Small Business Saturday is celebrating its 13th year of championing small businesses across the country

Landmark regulations that secure Wales' climate commitments and enable the roll-out of the Sustainable Farming Scheme have been passed in the Senedd.

Scheme supporting BRIT and Mercury Prize-winning artists begins new funding round

Plans for Glasgow hub to showcase Scotland.

Rape victims will receive better support and fairer trials under new government reforms to stamp out rape myths and restore faith in the justice system.

High levels of malnutrition continue to endanger the lives and wellbeing of children in the Gaza Strip, compounded by the onset of winter weather accelerating the spread of disease and increasing the risk of death among the most vulnerable children.

Benefit cheats, fraudsters and debtors who can afford to repay but refuse will have money taken directly from their bank accounts or lose their driver's licence under tough new laws approved today.

Over 150 jobs will be created across Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire through a new UK-Germany electric vehicle technology project led by Mercedes.

Pallite Group secures £1.6 million corporate facility from KBC Bank, backed by UKEF's General Export Facility.

GP online access has been rolled out at nearly all GP practices, benefitting patients across England.

Rebecca Gray welcomes the progress made in the sector.

Puppy smuggling bill (Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill) receives Royal Assent.

Billion pound boost for small businesses as councils get new powers to save contracts for local communities

Government doubles the number of models available for the top ECG discount.

A nationwide crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour  this winter has been launched.

Rory Deighton said data is extremely worrying, particularly during another very challenging winter for the NHS.

UK-SA unveil bold science moves in AI policy training, space toolkit & innovation fund to drive health, inclusion, and climate-smart growth.

A new Health and Social Care Committee report urges the Government not to miss a golden opportunity to dramatically improve England’s mental health services. 

The FCA has published proposals to ensure that environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings are transparent, reliable and comparable.

The number of planned and performed operations in Scotland has reached its highest level since January 2020, new figures published yesterday show.

The UK-US pharmaceuticals agreement marks a major step forward for investment, innovation and patient access. With new tariff-free trade, updated NICE thresholds and VPAG reforms, the UK is creating the right environment for a thriving life sciences ecosystem.

The Police Digital Service (PDS) has announced a new partnership with BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, aimed at enhancing digital capability, professional standards, and career development across UK policing. 

Annual report sees great work being done by education and care professionals but there are concerns about the rapid growth in children’s homes, and outcomes for disadvantaged and vulnerable children remain poorer than their peers.

GAD has maintained its accreditation under the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries’ Quality Assurance Scheme, demonstrating its commitment to excellence.

Access to free school meals, childcare and emergency support is part of ongoing action to tackle rising costs and reduce poverty.

Essential family tents funded by the UK have arrived in Gaza to provide shelter for thousands of civilians.

APCC Chair’s comment on the IOPC’s report on the role of the police in the Hillsborough disaster.

November 2025 brought very variable weather across the UK, with well-above average rainfall, notable temperature swings, and clear regional differences in sunshine. 

Blog posted by: Adam Mazrani, 01 December 2025 – Uncategorized.

A bill is being prepared to give councils greater flexibility over how they design and implement a visitor levy.  

Firms across the private sector once again expect activity to fall in the next three months (weighted balance of -27%), according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator. This extends a run of negative predictions that began in late 2024. 

US pressure aims to choke off Russian oil supplies to India. Modi and Putin are seeking to deepen cooperation in other areas. But in the long-term, relations are in a managed decline.

Acquiescence to a bad deal for Ukraine will expose Europe to future security peril and to near-irrelevancy in global foreign affairs. No US backstop can be trusted.

A former senior Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer who sent unsolicited photographs and inappropriate messages to a junior officer has been placed on the barred list following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). 

Livestock farmers and animal health officials in Wales are set to benefit from regional disease testing following investment to start the process of establishing a specialist diagnostic centre at Aberystwyth University.