WIREDGOV

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has arrived in Northern Ireland as part of his summer tour of the United Kingdom.

UK to lead new international Countering Violent Extremism Hub based in the UK.

Pollen levels are expected to remain generally low across the UK over the next five days as we move further towards the end of the summer pollen season.

Their Majesties The King and Queen will undertake an Autumn Tour from Tuesday, 27th October to Wednesday, 4th November 2026. 

The Joint Committee on Human Rights has called for widespread reforms to the children’s social care system to improve the quality of support and life-long outcomes for people in care and care leavers.

The UK government has taken ‘inconsistent action’ – the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) lowest ranking – and failed to uphold the rights of migrants and asylum seekers in line with UN recommendations.  

Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRNs) and INSPIRE IDs will be included with the monthly Price Paid Data dataset, making it easier to match and analyse property data.

Energy regulator Ofgem yesterday (Wednesday 26 August) announced a 4% increase of the energy price cap for the period covering 1 October to 31 December 2026.

Households can save hundreds on bills as plug-in solar panels become legal to use and buy across the country.

Package of funding to support reopening of Glasgow landmark.

A man who made death threats to two mosques was yesterday jailed.

ADHD and autism services are failing too many people because of the way they are designed, commissioned, and delivered, England’s Health Ombudsman has said, as complaints about care continue to rise.

TrydaNi gives drivers access to electric cars across Wales in a way that is affordable, convenient and beneficial to local communities.

David Dinsmore will stand down as the Permanent Secretary, Director of Communications, by mutual agreement on 30 September. 

Prime Minister Andy Burnham's statement in response to flooding along the Nepal-China border.

On 31 July 2026, the Cabinet Office published a statement, ‘Rewiring the State’, setting out the UK Government's plan to shift power, funding and accountability from Westminster and Whitehall to local elected mayors and combined authorities across England. 

New opt-in alerts will warn people when air pollution is high, or expected to be high, in their local area.

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has written to TikTok, YouTube, Meta and Snapchat over concerns about content on video-sharing platforms promoting dangerous driving.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

Company wound up following Insolvency Service investigations

Serious sexual and violent offenders could be confined to areas just a few miles wide after leaving prison under a world-first crackdown, launching in October to give victims greater freedom.

The first young people supported by a new Government programme for the long-term unemployed have started their jobs.

First Minister John Swinney has announced 24 more areas will benefit from new GP-led walk-in services across Scotland, bringing the number of centres planned or operational to 40.

Thousands of households on heating oil have applied for a heat pump, taking advantage of the £9,000 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant

For social care to be fit for the future, the workforce must be central to reform. 

Getting everyone in for Christmas is a crowd pleaser, and will galvanise the homelessness sector and local partners, but the scheme misses some bigger-picture thinking, writes Fiona Colley, Homeless Link's Director of Social Change, in an article for Inside Housing.

Fairness at the heart of how Scotland adapts to a changing climate.

The FCA has decided to ban 3 former senior figures at Dolfin Financial (UK) Limited (Dolfin) after finding they ran a scheme that helped clients bypass UK visa rules.

Sky-watchers across the UK will have the chance to see a striking partial lunar eclipse, also known as a blood moon, during the early hours of Friday.

Dstl analysts worked with the military, wider defence and industry partners to inform and develop the future vision for the Royal Navy.

A series of measures to modernise and simplify the compulsory purchase system in Scotland are set to move forward.

The proportion of private rented housing managed by a letting agent is the highest is has been for at least two years, according to new research.

Former West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, plus three officers and a staff member, have been advised their conduct is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct relating to the Maccabi Tel Aviv supporter ban in Birmingham.

The US is exceeding its own plans for deployment of aircraft carriers, and the knock-on effects, and the strain, should be a cause for concern.

On 13 May 2026, the British Academy hosted Charity Archives and Records Now, a one-day event exploring new directions in research, policy and practice.

ExxonMobil Chemical Limited has been fined £267,000 after health and safety inspectors found corroded pipes had resulted in five leaks of flammable gas at its Fife Ethylene Plant.

The new SL12 between Gants Hill, Romford, Elm Park and Rainham will connect communities to the capital's transformative network of express bus services.

Experts at Public Health Wales are warning that the illicit drug market is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable, with more than one in three samples submitted to its Welsh Emerging Drug Identification Service (WEDINOS) containing substances other than what the buyer expected. 

Changes to the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge people on default tariffs for each unit of energy and the daily standing charge.

The Creative Trade Forum, a new partnership between government and industries to boost UK creative businesses, has been launched today in Edinburgh.

An Accredited Official Statistics publication for Scotland.

Find out how the VAT cut on household electricity bills will work for you.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Food Security.

Many people are reporting a better experience of hospital inpatient care than a year ago, according to a national survey from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The Prime Minister recently (24 August 2026) met the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv following a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

For weeks, people across England and Wales have been asking the same question: where is the rain?

 The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA), Hounslow Council and PayByPhone have launched Donate Your Device in Hounslow, creating a local route for unused laptops, tablets and smartphones to be passed on to people in the borough who need a device of their own.

This publication outlines the Scottish Government's proposals for taking forward compulsory purchase reform.

Without accompanying reforms, the risk is that President Tinubu’s plan only makes Nigeria’s army bigger but not better.

Retail sales volumes fell at a steep pace in the year to August, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey. Next month, sales are expected to decline at a slower rate.

Blog posted by: Steph Rowe, GDS Senior Events Manager, 24 August 2026 – Digital, Data and Technology, Events, People and skills, Service design.

Next steps announced for National Performing Company.

Britain's youth unemployment crisis is the symptom of a wider cost of doing business problem. The CBI's youth employment report, Opportunity in Every Postcode: Ensuring Young People Have Options, Wherever They Live, shows that growth is needed to move the dial for more than a million young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Statement given recently (24 August 2026) by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

Foreign interference threats to democratic elections are evolving at increasing speed and scale. Australia demonstrates how to build institutions capable of keeping pace.

 Cllr Peter Mason, Chair of the LGA’s Improvement Committee responds to the Government’s announcement that they will provide £46 million over three years for the Capacity to Build programme.

World Cup Fund investment launched at Barclays Hampden.

The new Welsh Government has today marked its first 100 days in office, confirming key progress has been made in delivering on the promise to improve people's lives across Wales.

Thousands of young people across the UK will get the chance to gain work experience, build confidence and develop skills to help them get ready for work as Sainsbury's launches a major new “Modern Work Experience Programme” designed to help more young people into employment.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey statement on further Iran sanctions

FCDO launches Global Network Programme, giving UK businesses access to British diplomatic expertise to support international trade opportunities.

Cadets are helping young people to develop the skills, confidence and ambition they need for the future, ahead of the UK’s first National Cadets Week. 

IPPR has responded to yesterday’s announcement of funding by the prime minister and secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, Angela Rayner.

New CIPD data shows that many organisations expect to make redundancies and increase the use of temporary and self-employed staff unless changes are made to planned reforms

First award from Heat Decarbonisation Fund.

Smoking among young adults has fallen dramatically over the last decade and that success deserves recognition. In 2000 around a third of 16–24 year olds were active smokers in England. By 2024 that figure had fallen to just 8.6%, the largest decline of any adult age group. 

Cllr Liam Robinson, Chair of the LGA's Inclusive Growth Committee responds to the Government's announcement of details about the Social and Affordable Housing Programme

Consumer expert Emma Cochrane shares tips for drivers travelling at one of the busiest times of the year.

Yellow warnings for thunderstorms have been issued for parts of England and Wales on Wednesday and Thursday, as warm and humid conditions bring an increasing chance of heavy showers, thunderstorms and longer spells of rain.

Legislation to protect pupils’ education and wellbeing.

Sir Ciarán says current proposals risk landing the NHS with another unfunded cost at a time when cuts have already had to be made to budgets.

What the No10 North announcement means for local public services, digital capability and the supplier community

TfL is marking 70 years since London Transport's pioneering Caribbean recruitment campaign, which helped shape today's transport workforce and London's transport network

An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

Nearly 4 million women will be offered HPV self-testing kits if they have not attended cervical screening appointments following invitations from the NHS in England.

The NHS is starting to roll out the new self-testing kits from today to encourage more women to complete their potentially lifesaving screening to detect human papillomavirus (HPV), which can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

England’s leading women’s health doctor described the move as a “gamechanger” given that around a third of those eligible aren’t up to date with their cervical screening, and this test provides a more “discreet and convenient option” for them.

The self-testing kit contains a swab, similar to a long cotton bud, which is used to collect a sample from the vagina. The sample is then posted back to the NHS for free, where it is checked for high-risk HPV.

If high-risk HPV is found, individuals will be invited to book a follow-up cervical screening appointment at their GP surgery or sexual health clinic, where a nurse or doctor will take a small sample from the cervix to check for cell changes.

Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for high-risk types of HPV. It is a common virus that can cause changes to cells in the cervix. These changes can usually be treated before cancer develops.

Women who are eligible will start receiving invitations today via the NHS App, text message, email or letter, and once invited they will be able to order a free kit through the NHS App or their NHS online account.

This is the next major step the NHS is taking in its pledge to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, by making it as easy as possible for people to get the lifesaving HPV vaccination and increasing cervical screening attendance.

Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director for Women’s Health at NHS England, said: “Screening saves thousands of lives each year by preventing cancers and catching them earlier, but only around two-thirds of women are attending cervical screening appointments when invited by the NHS.

“Offering millions of women an alternative test they can do from the comfort of their own homes will be a gamechanger – making it easier than ever for them to get tested for HPV. 

“There are lots of reasons that may stop women from getting their cervical screening – embarrassment, lack of time, or worries about discomfort – and these kits provide a discreet and convenient option we hope will encourage more women to take up the life-saving test. 

“So, if you’re invited to take part, please order a test – it’s a simple swab you can do at home in minutes.”

Cervical screening appointments with a clinician remain the best way to help prevent cervical cancer, but HPV self-testing is being introduced by the NHS as an additional choice for people who have not taken up previous invitations.

HPV self-testing is an invitation-only offer and is being rolled out in phases across England as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, starting with those aged between 30 and 65, who have not attended cervical screening following previous invitations.

The national rollout comes on the back of the YouScreen trial run by North London cancer alliances in collaboration with NHS England and King’s College London in 2021, which found offering self-testing kits to under-screened women at their GP practice or at home could boost the numbers screened in England by about 400,000 each year.

The UK National Screening Committee used evidence from this trial in its recommendation to roll this out wider.

The latest figures show that 68.8% of eligible women were up to date with their cervical screening – below the NHS England target of 80%. This means around 4 million women in England are not up to date with their routine check-up.

Women aged 24-64 are invited for cervical screening by the NHS every five years, or more frequently if HPV is detected.

Anyone who has been invited for cervical screening can still book an appointment at any time, even if the invitation was sent months or years ago.

It is still important to attend cervical screening appointments if you have been vaccinated against HPV as the vaccine does not provide protection from all types of HPV, so there is a still a small chance of getting cervical cancer.

People who routinely attend for a cervical screening test with a clinician at their GP practice or sexual health clinic should continue to book their appointments as normal.

Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Cervical cancer is preventable – but that’s why we want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for women to keep up with their screening.

“These free self-testing kits will be offered to four million women who are currently behind on their screening to make it easier for as many women as possible to keep themselves healthy and safe.

“This is the future NHS we are building – there for all of us when we need it, and acting as early as possible to stop preventable deaths.”

Cancer Research UK’s Chief Executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “Cervical screening is a powerful tool that saves lives – it can prevent cervical cancer or spot it at an earlier stage when treatment is more likely to be successful. 

“While it’s best for cervical screening to be done by a nurse or doctor, there are barriers that make it challenging for some people to attend. At-home HPV self-testing kits will help more people take part in a way that works for them.

“If people receive their cervical screening or self-testing kit invitation, please consider taking up the offer and encourage loved ones to do the same. Beating cervical cancer means beating it for everyone, and this move brings us closer to that goal.”

Athena Lamnisos, Chief Executive Officer at The Eve Appeal, said: “There are many reasons why those eligible for cervical screening don’t attend.

“Challenges around the type of test it is, limited awareness around HPV and its role in cancer development, as well as practical barriers such as problems around booking and attending an appointment, stop many from going.

“Cervical screening is designed to prevent cervical cancer rather than respond to symptoms, attending a clinic requires people to actively prioritise an appointment among the many competing demands of everyday life.

“Self-testing which can be done at home will be a step-change for many. We have the incredible opportunity to see the back of cervical cancer. How brilliant would that be? But to achieve this, we need to support everyone eligible to attend screening.

“At Eve we welcome the rollout of this programme and its focus on the audiences who need it most in the first stage of the screening pathway. Looking to the future, we hope that self-testing will provide the under-screened and never screened with a new option to help address some of the key barriers. 

“This is not a replacement for clinician screening, and we will continue to work with and support those attending their traditional cervical screening, to help make their appointments more comfortable and accessible. 

“The NHS has set a 2040 target for eliminating cervical cancer. We hope that rolling out self-testing will help us reach it.”

Dawn Bryant, 62, from Hertfordshire, had cancerous cells found early thanks to NHS cervical screening and feels extremely lucky that it was detected and treated before the cancer progressed any further.

She says cervical screening may have saved her life and is encouraging other women who haven’t had theirs yet or have put it off, to book an appointment or do the at-home HPV test if invited.

“My nan died of cervical cancer when I was only 11 so I know how difficult it can be and how important cervical screening is.

“A screening test when I was 32 found I had severe high-grade cell changes, and after further testing I was told it was cancer. 

“I am so lucky it was found at an early stage and could be easily treated. I had some surgery to remove the cells, but I didn’t have to have chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or anything. It was a very scary time, but who knows what would have happened if I’d delayed having the test. 

“Since then, I have been regularly monitored, and had many tests and colposcopies, and although they can be a bit uncomfortable, I would not think twice about having them done again.

“I know lots of women who have put off having screening, and sadly, some who have been diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer after putting it off for years.

“It is so important women go for these check-ups or do the home-testing kit if invited. It doesn’t take very long and if you’re worried or have questions, the staff are excellent and will talk to you and help answer any fears you’ve got.”

A former South Wales Police officer is due to appear in court charged with two counts of rape and one count of non-fatal strangulation following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

£1.7 million investment in detoxification and residential rehabilitation in the Highlands and Islands.

Joint Declaration of intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Ukraine on a UK-Ukraine Artificial Intelligence Partnership.

Two new schemes will launch in Barnsley to help residents use AI in simple, practical ways – from applying for jobs to preparing for interviews.

Ben Macpherson leaves government

A landmark AI deal between the UK and Ukraine was signed yesterday as the two countries join forces to develop new military capabilities and the technology of the future..

£25 million investment to help thousands more care leavers access homes with support and connection.

This summer Bwyd a Hwyl Food and Fun entered its second decade, marking a major milestone with the programme reaching one million places being delivered, providing nutritious breakfasts and lunches alongside engaging activities for learners during the summer holidays.

The leaders of the Coalition of the Willing yesterday convened in Kyiv and by video conference to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of the Independence of Ukraine.

Defence Secretary visits Devonport Naval Base to see some of the latest equipment used by the Royal Marines and UK Commando Force.

Arron Newble, Counsellor for Politico-Military Affairs, yesterday marked Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day by praising the courage of Ukrainians defending their sovereignty, identity and culture against Russia’s illegal war, and reaffirms the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s legitimate self-defence and a just and lasting peace.

Providing every child with the best start to school.

The government announces its first wave of funding from its £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme.

An illegal waste site in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has been cleared following a successful court case brought by the Environment Agency.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the fatal road traffic collision in Middlesbrough following a pursuit involving Cleveland Police officers has now verified some of the circumstances in the lead up to the collision.

To implement the Hybrid Navy, the Royal Navy must follow the example of other successful technology transformations and build an ecosystem, not just a Fleet.

If tomorrow’s wars are fought mainly by machines, victory belongs to the power that can fuse AI with robotics and build the result by the million. Today, that is China.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant, is in Dublin today (Monday 24 August).

Pub and hotel valuations will be made fairer as the government takes a further step to back the businesses that help drive growth in every postcode.

2026 is going to be renowned for the development of the largest El Niño in living memory and what is probably the largest such event since the 19th century.

A plan outlining the second phase of delivery of the Ending Destitution Together strategy, continuing to improve support for people with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) living in Scotland.

Mayors across England are to be given ‘call in’ powers to take the most important planning decisions in their areas.

Blog posted by: Dr Adrian Browne, Dr Philippa Hellawell, Dr Liberty Paterson and Taylar Carty, 21 August 2026.

The Regulator of Social Housing has opened a call for evidence on their 'More and Better Social Homes' proposals. 

Volunteers needed as Tour de France Grand Départ comes to Wales in 2027, deadline to apply is Tuesday 1st September.

GAD helped the Science Museum Group assess climate-related risks, develop bespoke scenarios, and build resilience across its estate and operations.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances of a fatal road traffic collision in Middlesbrough following a pursuit involving Cleveland Police officers.

This report was issued in August 2026 and covers the time period 1 July 2026 to 31 July 2026 inclusive.

FM outlines progress made in first 100 days of government.

This year, Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) is celebrating a remarkable milestone as the Harwell site marks its 80th anniversary.

Tom MacInnes, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice, responded to Royal Mail's latest Quality of Service results, which show the company hasn’t met its reduced delivery targets for 1st or 2nd class post between April and June 2026 

Andy Burnham will arrive in Ukraine on Monday 24 August for his first overseas visit as Prime Minister.

This report reviews evidence on how Scottish Income Tax policy may influence businesses and Scotland’s economic competitiveness. It examines potential effects on labour costs, recruitment and retention, migration, business behaviour and investment, drawing on research, surveys & business interviews.

Joint Statement from the Leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the European Commission, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Greece, Cyprus and Finland on the E1 West Bank Settlement Plan.

The Financial Futures Fund is available to fund the long-term solutions that help people feel more secure, confident, and in control of their financial future.

The Deputy Minister for Transport, Mark Hooper, met with Lord Burns this week to share views on the future direction of transport policy and investment across Wales.

Nine-year director disqualification for Scottish businessman

Devolution has huge potential. It has the potential to drive economic growth, empowering local leaders to develop strategies that are right for their local areas and their economies and encouraging the economies of coordination needed to unlock opportunity and tackle the NEETs crisis. It has the potential to revitalise our public services, enabling local areas to deliver joined up, preventative, people-centered services.

The BBC provides the opportunity for charities to have an appeal broadcast on BBC Radio 4 or BBC One Lifeline to audiences across the UK.

The Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications is supporting a toolkit developed by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to help NHS organisations establish communications trainee schemes and widen access to careers in the profession.

The Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage Challenge will strengthen UK energy security, create jobs in new industries and protect households from price spikes.

IPPR has announced the advisory council for its landmark programme of research aimed at improving the lives of young people.

Morrisons Foundation is offering capital grants of up to £20,000 to charities who provide placed-based services to our entire community or specific groups.

Audit Wales finds progress since the Welsh Government’s intervention, but questions remain about how it will fund further improvements and measure their impact.