WIREDGOV

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has identified that a number of cyber actors widely known to have been conducting cyber attacks around the world are, in fact, the GRU. 

These attacks have been conducted in flagrant violation of international law, have affected citizens in a large number of countries, including Russia, and have cost national economies £ms.  Cyber attacks orchestrated by the GRU have attempted to undermine international sporting institution WADA, disrupt transport systems in Ukraine, destabilise democracies and target businesses.

NHS Health Scotland has published a report comparing the impact of income-based policies on health & health inequalities for the Scottish population.

They found that increasing means-tested benefits by 50%, introducing Citizen's Basic Income schemes that incorporate Income Tax increases, increasing devolved benefits by 50%, and introducing the real Living Wage could all help to reduce health inequalities and improve health in Scotland.

They used the ScotPHO 'Informing Interventions to reduce health Inequalities' tool (the Triple I tool) to model the impact of income policies on health & health inequalities.  The basis of the tool is that health improves as household income increases.

They compared a range of policies across three categories: taxation-based, benefits-based and some new approaches, including two Citizen's Basic Income policies.  Of the policies we modelled, they found that the introduction of the Citizen's Basic Income scheme with additional payments for disabled people would be most cost-effective for both reducing premature deaths and reducing health inequalities. 

They found that the most effective income-based policies for reducing health inequalities are likely to be those that disproportionately increase incomes for those with the lowest incomes. Action on income is not just reserved to one or two agencies; a wide range of local and national stakeholders can play a role in influencing household income and, in turn, health.

Landlords are urging the government to back longer tenancies in rented housing to meet the needs of the growing numbers of families with children who rely on the sector for their home.

Almost 40% of private rented homes have at least one child living in them, with such families seeking long term stability to settle into their communities and local schools.  Rather than resorting to legislation to impose longer tenancies on the sector, where tenants have already been living in their rented homes for almost four years, the RLA is calling for tax reforms to encourage & support more landlords to offer them. 

The government has already admitted that such incentives “could be quicker to implement” than legislation.  It would also ensure that the vital flexibility the sector is good at providing is retained, enabling those wanting short term tenancies to quickly access new work and educational opportunities.

In its submission to the Treasury ahead of the Budget on 29thOctober, the RLA is calling for tax relief on rental income which could increase each year a tenancy continues up to a maximum of five years if the tenancy is renewed.  The relief would then remain at this level.

The North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) and The Procurement Partnership Ltd. (TPPL) launch solution for Grounds Maintenance Equipment & Plant.

Established in 1976, NEPO undertakes high-value procurement in major strategic areas of spend in conjunction with North East local authorities and a range of associate members.

The solution covers an extensive range of equipment from 38 industry recognised suppliers, including dealerships & manufacturers located across the UK.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced a new Defence Arctic Strategy, acknowledging the increasing opportunities & threats the region presents.

The strategy will enhance the MoD’s focus on the Arctic, underlined by our current commitments in the region and future deployments.

The change in the natural environment in the Arctic and High North is driving a change in the security environment and, as the region becomes more accessible, there has been an increase in military activity.  The new Defence Arctic Strategy will put the Arctic and the High North central to the security of the UK.

Currently, the Royal Marines conduct cold weather training in Norway on an annual basis, with around 800 due to deploy in 2019.  As part of the new Arctic strategy, the Marines training will become joint with Norway on a long-term basis and integrated into Norway’s defence plan, providing UK troops a unique opportunity to train alongside a key ally.

The strategy will also complement our NATO commitments and in 2019, four RAF Typhoons will for the first time patrol Icelandic skies. This will allow the UK to work closely with allies to deter aerial threats to Euro Atlantic security.  The mission will also provide the RAF with unique opportunities to test its skills in different environments.

In 2020 we will also increase our operational commitments in the area with the introduction of new P-8 Poseidon aircraft.  Based out of RAF Lossiemouth, the sub-hunters will help combat a range of intensifying threats, not least increasing submarine activity in the Arctic.