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The Maltese Commerce Department (IPRD), responsible for Industrial Property in Malta, has launched an updated version of their software to address the various changes required to comply with the transposition of the Trade Mark Directive.

The NCSC is investigating an automated, ongoing, widespread credential-harvesting phishing campaign currently affecting the UK

Proposals for revisions to some of the current sentencing guidelines for terrorism offences in England and Wales were published for consultation today by the Sentencing Council, following significant legislative changes brought in by the new Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019.

Dr Andrew Murrison hosted the twelfth UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group in London on 17 October, 2019

County Lines drug networks have been targeted in a week of coordinated law enforcement activity across the UK

Remarks by President Donald Tusk after the meeting.

Ofgem has appointed Total Gas and Power to take on supplying Rutherford Energy Supply Limited’s (trading as Uttily Energy) 280 business customers. This follows an appointment process run by Ofgem to get the best deal possible for customers.

IPPR analysis finds Johnson’s deal points to harder Brexit than May’s

Public Health England (PHE) is working to produce the first UK-wide clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment.

A truck driver who tried to bring an illegal firearm into the country has been jailed for two years and three months.

Yesterday afternoon European Parliament President David Sassoli opened the European Council in Brussels.   This is the first time he has attended the Council in his role as President of the European Parliament.

Advice to help NHS staff spot crucial signs.

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is undertaking a major project to inspire the future of corporate reporting and, as part of this project, is seeking stakeholders’ views to help shape and improve information for all users of corporate reports.

Comment from Julian David, CEO, techUK on the Agreement between the UK Government and the European Council yesterday.

A new £1 million wave of UK government advertising to encourage EU citizens to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme has launched today.

Remarks by President Juncker.

The UK yesterday (Thursday 17 October) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) that it will extend its WTO membership to include the Channel Islands.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) will publish its recommendation on the level of the Sixth Carbon Budget in September 2020, CCC Chairman Lord Deben has announced.

More than 7,000 customers are to be refunded after the CMA found Nationwide failed to send important PPI information.

Nationwide events and new Migration and Modern Slavery Envoy mark the day.

Remarks by Chief Negotiator Barnier at the press conference on the EC Recommendation to the European Council to endorse the agreement reached on the revised Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland and revised Political Declaration.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson spoke at Coram's National Adoption Week reception announcing further funding to support new adoptive families

The CBI has responded to the publication of the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration.

British businesses and the public are set to be better protected from hostile cyber-attacks and online threats like disinformation and cyber-bullying

Ofgem has allowed £64m of funding requests by electricity distribution network companies to invest in physical site security, street works and rail electrification projects, and refused around £258 million for projects that it considers are not justified or provide poor value for money. 

Brexit: EC recommends the European Council (Article 50) to endorse the agreement reached on the revised Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland and revised Political Declaration.

techUK has launched a new microsite for it's SME community, providing a central location for members to access relevant events, insights and services.

As we mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week the Welsh Government has announced a new scheme to help school children in Wales and their teachers learn to better identify and respond to hate speech and misinformation, and to ensure schools nurture ethical, informed citizens who contribute to a more cohesive society.

The FCA has started proceedings against Park First Limited, its senior managers, including its chief executive officer and a number of other companies connected to the Park First group. The FCA is seeking compensation orders in favour of investors in respect of losses they have suffered in the Park First scheme.

Open Europe's Stephen Booth, David Shiels and Dominic Walsh examine the revised Withdrawal Agreement.

New Active Lives Adult Survey results also show evidence of the positive impacts of activity on mental health

In light of the UK's decision to withdraw from the EU, the EC has reached an agreement at negotiator level with the UK on a revised Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland and a revised Political Declaration on the framework of the future EU-UK relationship.

Monitoring to be introduced to assess progress.

Guidance has been updated in England and Wales to help police officers use tactical contact more safely during moped pursuits, following proposals by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Tactical contact is used by appropriately trained police drivers to end a pursuit by making deliberate contact with mopeds ridden by suspected criminals. 

Wales is set to become a global leader in 5G technology following the announcement of a new Digital Centre of Excellence, supported by nearly £4 million EU funds.

The strides made by water companies towards helping more cash-strapped households stay afloat will be scrutinised when the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) meets in Weston-super-Mare on Thursday 24th October.

This week saw the first Environment Bill in over twenty years as Defra seeks to show how the UK will lead the way in environmental governance after Brexit. 

NHS Digital has partnered with the Nuffield Trust and British Medical Journal (BMJ) for a new data visualisation competition that aims to shine a light on data about health and care inequalities in England.

Three-hundred and thirty-seven suspects have been arrested globally in multi-agency operations sparked by a National Crime Agency investigation into one of the UK’s worst ever child sex offenders.

The UK and Indonesia have agreed to begin a round of exploratory trade talks.

Organisations can apply for a share of up to £1.9 million to design and build systems that will modernise the use of data in the energy sector.

UK and the Faroe islands have signed a continuity agreement which enables UK vessels to continue fishing in Faroese waters after 31 October.

A woman arrested by the National Crime Agency in Bristol last week as part of an investigation into human trafficking has now been charged.

October 17 saw The Ordnance Survey Puzzle Tour of Britain, the follow up to last year’s best-selling The Ordnance Survey Puzzle Book, hit the bookshelves.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office names Nadine Tunasi and Kolbassia Haoussou as its first Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI) Survivor Champions, October 2019.

Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, has visited Wales’ largest community-owned wind energy project, Awel Aman Tawe windfarm near Pontardawe, to find out more about their work on climate change, funded by their income form the wind project.

Essex Police has been asked to make call handling improvements as a result of learning from an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the circumstances surrounding the death of Suzanne Brown.

Over the past three years we have been working with colleagues at Newcastle Business School (Northumbria University) exploring alternative approaches to commissioning, funding and managing social support which better respond to real-life complexity. 

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has today met with businesses to discuss tariffs which the US is due to introduce tomorrow.

Community groups invited to bid for share of £500,000 to commemorate enormous contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.

Speech by Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson at the John Lewis Partnership event to promote health and wellbeing amongst staff.

The Rosalind Franklin Mars rover, built in Stevenage by Airbus, features in a new exhibition at the Design Museum, which opens tomorrow (Friday 18 October).

Information about flu vaccinations is being sent from pharmacies to GP practices in a pilot scheme run by NHS Digital.

APCC Performance lead, Matthew Scott PCC responded to today’s Office of National Statistics report for year ending June 2019 

The Prime Minister will chair a new Cabinet Committee on Climate Change to drive further action across government to protect our environment, reduce emissions and improve air quality.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today published the complaints figures for regulated firms for the first half of 2019. The data showed an increase in complaints from 3.91m in the second half (H2) of 2018 to 4.29m for the first half (H1) of 2019.

On the United Nations Day for Poverty Eradication we should never fail to be shocked that we are talking about child poverty when are one of the wealthiest countries on earth.

The Chancellor Sajid Javid will mark the beginning of a decade of renewal for the UK economy at his first IMF annual meeting.

Two years after the #MeToo campaign, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched new guidance for employers on the use of confidentiality agreements (often referred to as NDAs) in discrimination cases.

Pilots to encourage refugees to start busineses have been launched across the UK.

Failures in financial governance resulted in Town Council overspend of £100,000

NHS Digital has today published the Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry annual report.

The Sentencing Council has published new guidelines to be used by judges and magistrates in England and Wales when sentencing offenders convicted of public order offences, following consultation.

The Health Minister, Vaughan Gething yesterday outlined plans to make Wales’ one of the first countries to see obesity rates decline.

Treasury launches pilot of new PrizeSaver account, with savers who put away as little as £1 with participating credit unions having the chance to win up to £5,000 a month.

Plans for a new national model for shared ownership will help thousands of lower earners step onto the housing ladder.

Europe’s air is getting cleaner but persistent pollution, especially in cities, still damages people’s health and the economy. The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) new analysis on air quality shows that exposure to air pollution caused about 400,000 premature deaths in the EU in 2016.

Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board Cllr Judith Blake, responds to an announcement by the Secretary of State for Education about reforms to the Adoption Support Fund.

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the government will not be able to support all affected industries, argues a new report by the Institute for Government. Against a backdrop of steeply deteriorating public finances, the government will be forced into impossible choices about which businesses and industries to save. Without clear principles, the fight over subsidies will be swamped by politics.

Local demographic statistics on NHS Health Checks2 attended in England between April 2012 and March 2018 has been published for the first time today.

The FCA has published a feedback statement setting out its proposals to improve climate change disclosures by issuers and information to consumers on green financial products and services.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has criticised two London councils for the way they tried to recover historic business rate debts.

Slow progress in developing effective mechanisms to combat sexual exploitation and abuse is leaving victims and survivors without recourse to appeal, a report by the International Development Committee has found.

According to figures released yesterday by the ONS, consumer price index inflation remained unchanged at 1.7 per cent in the year to September 2019. 

The EC has ordered Broadcom to stop applying certain provisions contained in agreements with six of its main customers. This will prevent serious and irreparable harm to competition likely to be caused by Broadcom's conduct, which prima facie (at first sight) infringes EU competition rules.

Sean Duggan, chief executive of the Mental Health Network, which is part of the NHS Confederation, responded to the CQC’s State of Care report 

The centre-left faces ‘extinction’ unless it can break free of neoliberal economic dogma and find a way to credibly deliver significantly higher rates of growth in the years ahead, a new book by the businessman and Labour donor John Mills warns.

Information relating to the costs of providing, maintaining and servicing the NHS estate has been published by NHS Digital today.

To mark the start of the National Lottery’s 25th birthday celebrations, world renowned artist, David Mach, has unveiled his latest piece of artwork in the most unlikely of places, a Manchester newsagent.

Blog posted by: Simon McDougall – Executive Director – Technology and Innovation, 16 October 2019.

Ofsted's Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, recently (15 October 2019) discussed upcoming changes to how we inspect initial teacher education (ITE) partnerships.

Three companies have been awarded contracts for the express freight service to deliver medicines and medical products within 24 to 48 hours if there's a no-deal Brexit.

Ahead of the October European Council, the EC is reporting on key progress under the European Agenda on Migration since 2015, with focus on steps taken by the EU since the last progress report in March 2019. 

Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, responded to the Health Foundation’s report on young people’s future health, ‘A healthy foundation for the future’ 

A no-deal Brexit would be highly controversial in all three devolved nations and increase risks to the Union itself, argues a new report by the Institute for Government. 

Foreign trade zones bring many benefits, but they require greater transparency in order to operate securely and ethically.

Joint statement by The Department for International Trade and the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia on the signing of the terms of reference of the Trade Review between the UK and Indonesia.

There are risks to the UK border if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019.

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

Two Welsh businesses are reaping the benefits of support from Healthy Working Wales to improve the mental health and wellbeing of their staff.

The recent‘State of Care’ report from the Care Quality Commission contains some alarming findings. People can’t access the care that they need, where and when they need it. Those with complex needs or mental health conditions are particularly likely to encounter this, and the report shows they are experiencing poor – and at times, unsafe – care.

Sally Warren, Director of Policy at The King’s Fund commented on the new State of care report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 

We understand the needs of every organisation can vary, so our Catering Services framework (704) and Consultancy Services framework (664) offer completely tailored catering services and advice shaped around you.

Blog post by: Russell Grossman, 16 October 2019.

Blog posted by: Ola Källgården – consultant in IT governance, agile transformation and organizational change, Olingo Consulting, 16 October 2019.

The new office sits within the Cabinet Office and will pull together all functions of government, and better co-ordinate charity sector provision.

Get Help to Retrain service continues its phased rollout and is now available in six major cities and regions across England.

Steps to mitigate impact on medicine supplies.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responded to the Care Quality Commission’s annual State of Care report 

Liberal Muslims working on counter-terrorism and counter-extremism are routinely subjected to abuse and intimidation, a new Civitas study shows.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), on behalf of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), will shortly be inviting applications for new interdisciplinary director of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC).

Commission reports on its ongoing class inquiry into charities that failed to file accounts for the period 2018/19.

​The Care Quality Commission’s annual assessment of the state of health and social care in England shows that quality ratings have been maintained overall – but people’s experience of care is determined by whether they can access good care when they need it.

The introduction of regional semi-finals give girls the opportunity to test their cyber skills against those of local rivals for the first time.

A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed by a disciplinary panel over allegations of using abusive and discriminatory language and planting evidence, following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

We must all be part of the solution and pledge to combat climate change, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths yesterday urged in a rallying call at a climate change conference at City Hall.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is launching phase 2 of its campaign to get more people working in adult social care, with a focus on 20 to 39 year olds.

The Environment Agency is inviting Kendal children, families and local residents to get involved in a family fun day during half term planting tree seeds and painting plant pots as part of their tree planting efforts through the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme.

No evidence of aircraft VAT avoidance in the Isle of Man but further compliance checks should be implemented, finds Treasury review.

Almost a third (31%) of graduates say their degree didn't prepare them with the skills needed for their job. This is the result of a recent survey conducted by AXELOS* among 810 graduates across the UK.

The NHS has the opportunity to upgrade cancer screening to save thousands more lives each year, a major report said today.

Secretary of State Theresa Villiers yesterday spoke at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in London.

The UK is one step closer to self-driving cars that can pick-up and ferry passengers without a human driver.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday met NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Downing Street.

This week is Get Online Week – the UK’s largest digital inclusion campaign - and we’re celebrating the positive impact that digital can have for older people through a new report launched today.

The new framework sets out how EU and third country clearing houses should be supervised in the future, taking particular account of the effects of Brexit on the European financial system. It will be implemented through a revision of the European market infrastructure regulation (EMIR).

Young people, families from black and minority ethnic communities and people with a learning disability or living with dementia are among those who will be benefiting from National Lottery funding.

Solar panels are helping the environment and saving money at the Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration (DCLPA) at Worthy Down.

The Secretary of State has appointed Sandie Dawe as a Commissioners on the Historic England board for four years from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2023.

First Minister – Scotland acting locally as we lead globally on climate change.

In her new role, the Chief Executive of the Valuation Office Agency will oversee resolution of tax disputes.

Police officers and staff from across the country are set to attend a special national Courier Fraud Practitioners Day, tomorrow (Thursday, 17 October).

How does a state achieve effective deterrence? Lithuania provides an example.

Defra to host a series of workshops to help waste businesses prepare for Brexit.

A man who illegally imported handguns from Spain into Scotland has been jailed for three years and ten months.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) yesterday announced plans to ban the way in which some car retailers, and other brokers in the motor finance sector, receive commission.

On Restart A Heart Day, players from Cardiff City Football Club are joining forces with local school pupils to back Save A Life Cymru’s mission to boost the number of people in Wales who can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Police Support Volunteers, Special Constables, Cadets and volunteers for Police and Crime Commissioners were among yesterday's winners

The Secretary of State has appointed Christober Baker and Stuart Lochead as Members of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art for four years from 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2023.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has issued a statement following yesterday’s publication of the Government’s official response to the CCC’s 2019 Progress Report to Parliament.

The EC has launched a call to develop a research & innovation platform on food safety. It will make it easier for national food safety authorities, EU agencies, policy-makers, the scientific community and civil society to coordinate research efforts.

Reuben Binns, our Research Fellow in Artificial Intelligence (AI), discusses the challenges organisations may face in implementing mechanisms in AI systems that allow data subjects to exercise their rights of access, rectification and erasure.

Rutherford Energy Supply Limited (trading as Uttily Energy), an energy supplier with around 280 business customers has ceased to trade.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announces further funding to support adopted children and their families.

New protective orders to safeguard those at risk.

Stuart Hudson has been appointed to the newly-created role of Senior Director for Strategy, Communications, Nations and Regions at the CMA.

UK organisations can express an interest in seeking funding to develop receivers for a future UK global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

Lindsay Newman and Leslie Vinjamuri survey the damage the president’s latest move has done to US foreign policy.

Murderers and paedophiles who hold back information on their victims could spend longer behind bars as a bill to enact ‘Helen’s Law’ entered parliament yesterday (15 October 2019).

Latest mortgage data reveals number of first-time buyers getting a mortgage, and a foot on the property ladder, increasing to 35,010.

Support for third sector organisations delivering Scotland’s new benefits system.

Ordnance Survey releases new Trail 2 and Trail 2 Bike GPS units.

Labour market weathering an increasingly difficult economic environment.

Government introduces landmark Bill to Parliament to tackle the biggest environmental priorities of our time.

Figures released yesterday by National Records of Scotland show that fewer deaths were registered in Scotland last winter than in previous years.

North Wales Police demonstrates a thorough understanding of its responsibilities towards protecting children from harm, according to a new report.

The Financial Reporting Lab has released its latest newsletter for Q3 2019.

The Prime Minister has reappointed Antonio Horta-Osorio as Chair of the Wallace Collection for two years from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021.

Statement given yesterday by David Clay, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on Haiti.

Blog posted by: Anna Guglielmo – PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner and FinTech project manager, 15 October 2019.

Consumers will save money under Ofgem plans to reduce National Grid’s funding request to connect the new Hinkley Point C nuclear reactor to the grid by £80 million.

The government yesterday set out measures to go further and faster to tackle climate change, in response to Committee on Climate Change (CCC) recommendations.

Efforts to offer different paths into employment bearing fruit.

In light of Turkey’s continued illegal drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean, the Council reaffirms its full solidarity with Cyprus, regarding the respect of its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law.

Newcastle City Council Chief Executive, Pat Richie, has been appointed chair of the Government Property Agency.

NEPO has issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for a new solution covering the provision of office supplies.

A new network will help health and care innovators to convert their ideas into reality – and ultimately benefit patients.

A new £2 million fund is being launched to help organisations at the frontline of tackling loneliness across the country, Minister for Civil Society Baroness Barran yesterday announced.

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon has written to Minister of State at DEFRA George Eustice seeking urgent clarification and assurance that Scottish seed potatoes can continue to be exported to third countries, such as Egypt, in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

Last winter, 20,188 deaths were registered in Scotland, 2,965 (13%) fewer than the previous winter, according to figures released yesterday by National Records of Scotland (NRS).

Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responded to a report by Ofsted on their concerns families of children with special educational needs are being encouraged to educate their child at home 

Seeks views on proposed updates to our compliance and review methodology.

16-18 year-olds to get cash support from next week.

A pioneering scheme which improves the quality of support for young adult carers in further education is set to expand to colleges across the UK, thanks to a six-figure grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Enhanced action plan to tackle migrant crossings agreed by the UK and France.

Pathologists at a north east London NHS trust have voted for strike action in a dispute over new shift patterns which, it is claimed, could compromise the integrity of patients’ samples.

Poverty, urbanization, climate change and poor eating choices driving unhealthy diets. 1 in 3 children under five is malnourished; 2 in 3 children under two live on poor diets

Seeks views on proposed changes to the SSRO's Allowable Costs guidance for 2020/21.

UK Researchers, students and farmers would continue to get EU support in the event of a no-deal Brexit, under provisions adopted by the Budgets Committee on Monday.

Transitional Simplified Procedures will make importing after Brexit on 31 October much simpler, particularly for businesses that would be completing customs processes for the first time.

Seeking views on whether we should set a compliance fee for 2019. We also want your views on two proposals for managing this year’s fee.

Statistics published today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician show income from council houses was £1.21 billion in 2018-19. 

Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson responded to the announcement that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will invest £250 million in cultural infrastructure

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has called for real action in the November budget, as the Government presented the first Queen’s Speech in over two years, which JRF says failed to address the concerns of low-income voters

techUK want your guest blogs on what the future of local public services will look like in a digital age #CounciloftheFuture.

Stations Day celebrates the work of staff and volunteers who keep Britain's railways running.

A Yorkshire letting agent has traveled more than 7000 miles to Malawi to help volunteer in several schools.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab answered an Urgent Question on Turkey's incursion into north east Syria in the House today.

Following the publication of the first report from the Homelessness Action Group, Housing Minister Julie James has committed to immediate action in response to their short-term recommendations to help more rough sleepers off the streets this winter.

Seeks views on proposed guidance for referrals processes in respect of both an appeal against assessment as a qualifying sub-contract (QSC) and a notice of cessation as a QSC.

Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, responded to NHS England’s announcement of a scheme to reduce the use of plastics in hospitals 

The EU's budget for 2020 should include more climate action funding and higher investment in sustainable technologies, according to Monika Hohlmeier, Parliament's budget negotiator.

IPPR think tank finds whilst protections will remain in place on day one of no-deal, government can deregulate and weaken rights subtly over time

Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England, has responded to the CQC annual report into the state of care.

Home education is often being chosen by parents of children with complex needs as a last resort.

For the first time in a decade police forces in England and Wales are handling more complaints through local resolution rather than using lengthy and complex investigations, data released yesterday ​by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) shows.

Scheme opens to allow convictions to be removed from criminal records.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responded to the announcement on adult social care in yesterday’s Queen’s Speech

Christopher Snowdon responds to Professor Dame Sally Davies's final report on childhood obesity

The Council has agreed to the appointment of Laura Codruţa Kövesi to be the first European chief prosecutor. The appointment must now also be confirmed by the European Parliament.

Blog posted by: Paul Carter, 14 October 2019 – Categories: A great place to work, Health & Wellbeing.

Andrew Stephenson yesterday spoke at the event about delivering on the UK’s new approach to long-term economic partnerships with African countries, businesses and civil society.

The SSRO has launched three public consultations.

The Local Government Association’s Environment spokesman, Cllr David Renard, responded to measures announced in yesterday’s Queen’s Speech on the Environment Bill 

Economic success is at risk as future skilled migration could be curtailed under proposals in government immigration white paper, finds IPPR

Equality and Human Rights Commission Chief Executive, Rebecca Hilsenrath yesterday responded to the commitments outlined in the Queen's Speech.

techUK is pleased to announce that our members Yoti and Chipside have pick up awards at the prestigious WITSA 2019 Global ICT Excellence Awards.

The UK has secured 'listed status' providing certainty for a market worth more than £5 billion a year.

Ofcom yesterday fined KCOM £900,000, after uncovering a serious weakness in the telecoms company’s emergency-call service.

Details of the investigations concluded in the last month have been published today by the Electoral Commission. This is an important part of delivering transparency in political finance in the UK.

Changes to tenancy rules, aimed at helping renters, could unintentionally leave vulnerable groups at continued risk of being unfairly evicted says Citizens Advice.

The Council has extended restrictive measures by the EU addressing the use and proliferation of chemical weapons until 16 October 2020.

Sally Warren, Director of Policy at The King’s Fund, responded to Dame Sally Davies’ report and recommendations on childhood obesity 

Aidan Liddle, UK Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, makes national statement about UK policy on disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation and future objectives (14 October 2019).

Arts Council England has awarded Theatre Absolute a £96,000 National Lottery grant for a three-year project which includes eight new commissions and encompasses Coventry City of Culture in 2021.

Pictures released by the MOD show UK F-35 Lightning jets landing, taking off and hovering onboard Britain’s next generation aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time.

Operation Brock to keep the M20 open in both directions in the event of disruption to services across the English Channel.

EU citizens in Scotland are to be offered additional advice and support backed by more than £20,000 from the Scottish Government. 

Lord Porter, building safety spokesman for the Local Government Association, responded to plans for a Building Safety Bill announced in yesterday’s Queen’s Speech 

Move to tackle obesity would level playing field against advertisers who spend 30x more on ads than the government does on healthy eating

The RLA has launched its Quarter 3 survey, and we want to hear from landlords and letting agents about their views and experiences!

The Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred convictions of Winston Trew and  Sterling Christie to the Court of Appeal.

Towns with high rates of homelessness are set for investment in specialist mental health care, as part of NHS services for rough sleepers across the country.

Businesses can apply for a share of up to £5 million to work with Chinese partners on developing new smart farming technologies.

On the 29th of April 2019 we became one of the first nations in the UK to declare a climate emergency.

Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responded to the Queen’s Speech announcement yesterday that a Devolution White Paper will be published 

IEA responds to the Queen's Speech

If you have a bank account in Yemen and receive State Pension or Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit from the UK into this account, it will be paid Yemeni rial (YER).

Vulnerable families fleeing conflict in north-west Syria are to receive essential items such as blankets and mattresses thanks to £100,000 in Scottish Government funding.

Rumours abound that the Royal Navy is to gut its globally respected Operational Sea Training organisation in order to reallocate cash across defence.

The Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers has launched call for evidence on cat microchipping

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace addressed parliamentarians from across the NATO Alliance at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly on Monday 14 October 2019.

Ten North West health and care organisations have been presented with awards sponsored by the Innovation Agency. 

The Chancellor has announced he is planning to hold a Budget on Wednesday 6 November 2019.

Online letting agent Upad is closing with immediate effect.

Michel Barnier briefed EU27 Ambassadors this afternoon, following constructive technical-level talks with the UK over the weekend. He will also inform the European Parliament's Brexit Steering Group this evening.

Important work to finish the construction of the Midland Metropolitan hospital will now go ahead, after the Chancellor recently (12 October 2019) announced £350 million in funding to rescue the project.

Scottish Government responds to Bills outlined by UK Government.

Today the Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid has announced the date of the next Budget, which will be on Wednesday 6th November.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has fined Tullett Prebon (Europe) Limited (Tullett Prebon) £15.4 million for failing to conduct its business with due skill, care and diligence, failing to have adequate risk management systems and for failing to be open and cooperative with the FCA.

Her Majesty’s most gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament.

Rob Shaw, deputy CEO at NHS Digital has announced that he will be leaving the organisation at Christmas, to pursue a consulting career. Initially he will be working with foreign governments on national health and care infrastructure.

A network of 20,000 farms are taking action to drive down water pollution and protect the environment.

Blog posted by: Claudia Martinez, 11 October 2019.

Around a year on from announcing the recipients from our fund, we take a look at the early lessons being learned.

Blog posted by: Brian Stanislas, 11 October 2019 – Categories: A great place to work.

This week Spain celebrates the Fiesta Nacional, and we mark the occasion by sharing our research data, findings & analysis to provide a snapshot of the country’s living & working conditions.

MHCLG are providing up to £1million of the Cold Weather Fund to Homeless link to administer funding to charitable organisations that are not commissioned by local authorities.

Defence Minister Mark Lancaster recently (12 October 2019) travelled to the Cayman Islands and met with the Governor, and the Premier to agree the first steps in establishing the new unit.

Minister for the Middle East, Dr Andrew Murrison MP, announces support during visit to Lebanon.

Scotland has become the first country in the UK to ban plastic-stemmed cotton buds.

Blog posted by: Rupert McNeil, Government Chief People Officer, 11 October 2019 – Categories: A great place to work.

The Commission recently (11 October 2019) published a list of 20 regulated quarantine pests qualifying as priority pests, including Xylella fastidiosa, the Japanesebeetle, the Asian long-horned beetle, Citrus greening and Citrus Black Spot, whose economic, environmental and social impact on EU's territory is the most severe. Member States will have to launch information campaigns to the public, do annual surveys, prepare contingency plans, simulation exercises, and action plans for the eradication of these pests.

New 10-week consultation reveals latest detailed proposals for line extension.

Investment will drive local growth, support young people, and reinforce culture’s role at the heart of communities.

Plans to renew and extend a selective licensing scheme in Wirral have been opposed by the RLA.

The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab recently (12 October 2019) spoke to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in London.

The up-front cost of the Labour Party’s renationalisation proposals for water and energy utilities, train companies and Royal Mail is estimated to be £196 billion, according to new analysis by the CBI.

3,475 technology companies have been handed places on the latest iteration of Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) agreement for digital specialists, it has been announced.

The 20 pests on the list published by the EC in October 2019 are quarantine pests that have been identified as top priorities for EU Member States based on the severity of the economic, social and environmental problems they can cause.

Ofcom recently (11 October 2019) set out a range of measures to help ensure out-of-contract broadband customers pay fairer prices, and providers offer better protection to vulnerable customers. 

International biodiversity receives funding boost one year on from the largest ever Illegal Wildlife Conference held in London.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop yesterday set out her vision for the creative industries while visiting cultural and creative collaborations between Japan and Scotland.

Blog posted by: Mauricio Corona – Part of the ITIL 4 Architect Team, 11 October 2019.

Paul Uppal has stepped down from his role as Small Business Commissioner.

The NHS will slash the use of plastic in hospital canteens as part of its drive to reduce waste and make hospitals healthier for patients and staff.

Ronhill Sports is seeing growing demand for its high-quality running clothing and equipment.

Mark Drakeford and Leah Namugerwa take part in simultaneous tree-planting ceremonies to celebrate milestone.

Safe to Play aims to educate parents, coaches and players about safeguarding in sport

The National Infrastructure Commission has reported on how regulation needs to shift to meet net-zero.

Two Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers whose conduct was inappropriate and insensitive while taking an account from a 15-year-old who had been raped by a stranger hours earlier have been sanctioned by a disciplinary panel, following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

New lifts from street to platform provide step-free access for the first time

Motorists face roadside drugs test.

H.E. Mr Aidan Liddle, UK Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament delivers statement on the P5 process in General Debate at the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly First Committee (11 October 2019).

DCMS and the Office for AI have announced £13 million for AI and data science conversion courses over the next three years to help encourage a more diverse workforce.

The new year-long Geovation Benchmark Initiative will link the geospatial community with businesses, public bodies, researchers, media and the public to promote a better, wider understanding of the power and influence of location data.

NHS Digital has released two pieces of code under open source that will allow developers to include biometric login into their products and services.

The new agreement provides access to mobile, voice, video and data services including security and surveillance.

Investment of £2 million for new Gaelic primary school.

Bikeability programme gets further funding after it celebrates teaching 3 million children bike safety skills.

The levels of chemicals found in the Grenfell area are consistent with those generally found in London. 

The UK will fail to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 if regulators aren’t given new powers to ensure utility companies invest in sustainable infrastructure, according to a report from the National Infrastructure Commission.

Counter extremism programme supports people to challenge extremist narratives.

Tightening the law around home detention curfew.

1000 remortgage deeds have now been signed and registered digitally, with HSBC, Coventry Building Society and Enact leading the way.

Charity regulator opens investigation into a Wales-based environmental charity

Applications are now open for grants to help Online Centres in Portsmouth and the South East to engage with the Google Digital Garage in the city, for the benefit of their learners, volunteers and staff.

UK-wide testbeds to spearhead efforts to make the UK a world leader in 5G

New dual carriageway between Cambridge and Huntingdon will open in December 2019.