WIREDGOV

Legislation includes measures to simplify the law in missing persons cases.

Yesterday, NHS England has published the results from the new National Diabetes Experience Survey.

We have published the Council’s response to an independent research review of the guideline for sentencing offences committed within a context of domestic abuse.

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, has announced that local authorities will receive £6.1bn from the Welsh Government to spend on delivering key services.

A Defence Committee report published today (11 December) finds that accommodation for Service personnel and their families is “shocking”, with two-thirds of Service Family Accommodation (SFA) needing major work to meet modern standards, and families facing uncertainty over allocation of accommodation.

Women entrepreneurs a key focus for investment.

The father and stepmother of a 10-year-old girl whose body was discovered in her bed after the family had fled to Pakistan have today been convicted of her murder.

The total amount of outstanding Carer’s Allowance overpayment debt rose to £251.7 million in 2023-24, increasing from £150.2 million in 2018-19. Over the same period, the number of new overpayment cases identified each year fluctuated between 32,500 and 60,800, according to a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO).

The NHS is offering flu jabs to people at football clubs, supermarkets and Christmas markets as it braces itself for a rise in winter viruses in the coming weeks.

Sexual harassment at work can happen at any time. Risk can be heightened during the festive season, with workplace Christmas parties meaning staff socialising outside of work at night, often while drinking alcohol.

First Minister welcomes human rights advance.

A former solicitor has been sentenced yesterday (10 December 2024) for defrauding the Legal Services Commission (forerunner of the Legal Aid Agency),and making substantial gain at a significant cost to the public purse.

Public Health Wales’s latest Screening Inequities report shows that people living in the most deprived communities in Wales are less likely to take up their offer of screening compared to those living in the least deprived communities.

Lucy Horitz, Homeless Link's Senior Learning and Development Manager, shares her insights from this year's Leadership Summit.

The majority of teachers (64%) are not using ChatGPT professionally, including 19% who are ‘not interested’ in using AI anytime in the future, according to a new study.

Action to restore seabird populations. 

Fourteen thousand new prison places, with a target to open by 2031, form part of a 10-year Prison Capacity Strategy to make sure we always have the spaces needed to keep the public safe.

More than £100m will be invested into coal tip safety this Senedd term.

The Scottish Secretary has started the Parliamentary process to allow the Scottish Government to fully enact legislation to pardon miners prosecuted in Scotland

Support is being brought to 116 much needed community projects across Northern Ireland this festive season, thanks to over £6.8 million of grants from The National Lottery Community Fund. 

Statement from the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the outcome of the democratic consent vote on articles 5-10 of the Windsor Framework.

First ever UK high-energy laser weapon system mounted on an armoured vehicle at a UK trials range.

New UK programme with the RBM Partnership to End Malaria will boost global efforts to end malaria epidemic, stimulate growth and protect women and girls.

New chapter for the UK's clean industry as financial close reached for East Coast Cluster site projects.

Advertising and sponsorship limits to be removed for the majority of community stations, allowing them to generate more money to reinvest in their operations

The Welsh Government has announced changes to rates for Land Transaction Tax (LTT) and Landfill Disposals Tax (LDT) as part of the draft Budget for 2025 to 2026. These changes are set by the Welsh Government. They were announced on 10 December 2024.

Much is unclear about Russia’s supposed new ballistic missile, but its use against Ukraine was more about political signalling than military utility in the war.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has agreed a £12m settlement representing what it suspects to be the proceeds of crime.

UK and Germany agree landmark plan to break the business model of people smuggling gangs, with Germany confirming intention for law change.

An interactive map showing information about publicly-owned land, as well as land managed by Scottish Crown Estate, has been created.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have continued to work with food businesses and Local Authorities to investigate the food supply chain for mustard ingredients which may have been contaminated with peanuts.

Early in December 2024, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) published a research briefing on 6G mobile technology.

Government takes first steps towards milestone to increase school readiness with over £2bn uplift to early years investment compared to last year.

The proportion of pupils achieving the expected level in literacy and numeracy across primary and secondary schools has reached a new high, officials figures show.

The Environment and Climate Change Committee has published its report, ‘Methane: keeping up momentum’, which calls for the UK to keep up momentum on cutting methane emissions at home, whilst using its scientific expertise to be more engaged in international leadership.

The CMA has secured an offer of £23m from Vifor Pharma to the NHS, as part of a wider package, to address concerns that doctors were given potentially misleading information.

The Behavioural Science Unit at Public Health Wales has released a new report designed to help policy makers understand the breadth of behaviour change intervention types required to change population behaviours.

We have taken action against four public authorities for continued failings to meet their obligations under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). 

An extra £1.5 billion to strengthen public services, support small businesses and drive economic growth is at the heart of the Welsh Government’s Draft Budget 2025-2026.

A programme funded from the seized assets of criminals has supported 15,368 young people in 2023-24.

There are many challenges that come with the planning and delivery of a project. Issues such as time wasting, project uncertainty and complexity can all contribute to what feels like an insoluble problem.

This report contains sensitive content which refers to details on deaths by suspected suicide. 

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting held a specially-convened meeting with trust leads this morning as the NHS battles record pressures in winter.

CBI yesterday responded to Chancellor’s speech at Eurogroup meeting.

techUK is excited to announce its upcoming Automated Mobility Campaign Week, a key opportunity to explore and highlight the transformative potential of autonomous vehicle technology in the UK. 

Self Assessment customers unable to pay their tax bill in full can plan ahead this festive season to spread the cost by using HMRC's Time to Pay arrangement.

A new treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is set to be available to around 1,700 people in England following positive final draft guidance from NICE published today.

Dstl is informing Government plans and helping keep people safe through research into how crowds react in an emergency or terrorist attack.

Official statistics have been released today on school pupils’ Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Levels (ACEL) in the reading, writing, listening & talking and numeracy ‘organisers’.

The situation in Syria has dramatically shifted, radically altering a status quo that has largely remained in place for over four years, and toppling a leader against whom the country rebelled nearly 14 years ago.

Online marketplaces and vape producers to pay for recycling and cleaning up household of electrical waste.

In the fifth episode of Unlocking Opportunities, our live show series in partnership with FE News, we delved into the pressing skills challenges facing the health and social care sector.

Research from Jiying Xu found that task-based approaches to second language learning can boost pronunciation and speech, though its effectiveness depends on learners’ auditory processing abilities.

A Bill that could see the creation of an organisation with responsibility for a new regime to manage Wales’s disused tips, both coal and non-coal, was introduced yesterday.

The number of teachers in Scotland decreased to 53,412 full-time equivalents (FTE), a drop of 621 FTE compared to the previous year.

The stability of the Middle East is paramount to delivering a foundation of security at home, the Prime Minister yesterday [9 December 2024] said during a visit to the Gulf.

The FDA has written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer in response to comments he made during the launch of the government’s Plan for Change, in which he said that too many in Whitehall were “comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline” and had a “don’t say anything” attitude.

The Independent Review of Carer’s Allowance took its next step to supporting unpaid carers by yesterday [Monday 9 December] publishing its terms of reference.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) win the 2024 industry-team project award at the recent Sir Arthur Clarke Awards.

The search is under way for the best researchers and innovators in our region with the launch of the North West Coast Research and Innovation Awards 2025.

£100 million fund will see teams use “test and learn culture” pioneered by digital companies to tackle some of public sector’s biggest challenges.

CBI Northern Ireland yesterday responded to announcement on cost of doing business.

Planning decisions are set to be fast-tracked in a sweeping overhaul of local planning committees, as part of new measures to tackle the housing crisis.

Thousands of children from disadvantaged backgrounds will benefit from free breakfasts, thanks to £3 million from the Scottish Government.

Save 10 per cent on Theatre Tokens this festive season to gift and use on Official London Theatre's See It Live in 2025 deals.

The Animal Plant Health Agency laboratories are to be significantly upgraded with £200 million investment.  

The NHS is urging people to come forward for their flu vaccination without delay so they and their families are protected in time for Christmas.

Rachel Reeves calls for business-like relationship with the EU to drive more trade, support businesses and boost economic growth that benefits working people.

Plans to radically change the way local bus services are delivered across Wales – putting people and communities first – are progressing well.

FDA National Officer Jane Runeckles delivered the Wales Governance Centre Annual Lecture, reflecting on “the last 25 years doing an absolutely wonderful, privileged and challenging public service job” in her previous role as Chief of Staff and a senior Special Adviser in Welsh Government.

People celebrating this festive season are being encouraged to have a #FraudFreeXmas and stay alert to fraudsters taking advantage of the time of year, as Action Fraud reveal the 12 frauds of Christmas.

The Global Online Safety Regulators Network yesterday published its first Annual Report, and its Strategic Plan for 2025-2027.

More than 100 people from across London came together to share their views on the NHS in the region

Housing Minister Paul McLennan visited an affordable housing development in East Lothian to highlight plans in the draft Budget for next year to increase funding for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

Events in Syria have upended the balance of power in the region – exposing the weakness of the dictator’s alliances and driving home the failure of Western policy.

A pioneering new project is looking to develop a mixed reality (MR) platform to enhance assessment and make learning more immersive.

Statement given yesterday on the public sector approach.

The first Women’s Health Plan for Wales was yesterday (Monday 9 December 2024) launched setting out a 10-year vision to improve healthcare services for women.

On 5 December 2024, Ofcom released its annual report containing updated data on the coverage and usage of fixed broadband and mobile networks within the UK.

On 6 October 2024, the Attorney General Lord Hermer KC delivered remarks at the Venice Commission on the rule of law.

The second UK-EU Cyber Dialogue took place this week. Both sides agreed to hold the next UK-EU Cyber Dialogue in Brussels in 2025.

This report highlights our continuing support for the Veterans and Armed Forces community in Scotland and provides an update on this year’s achievements and work undertaken to improve support and access to services for our Armed Forces, Veterans and their families.

The country offers a bridge to Western markets for Chinese makers of electric vehicles. President Xi’s visit shows how important China regards its domination of the industry.

A roofing firm has been fined while its director has been handed a suspended prison sentence after putting the lives of workers at risk during a roof renovation in Surrey.

Revised Workforce Plan to be unveiled in summer, ensuring we train necessary staff and provide the NHS with stability and certainty to plan into the future.

An additional 15,000 unpaid carers will be supported to take short breaks away from their caring responsibilities as a result of a £5 million boost to the Voluntary Sector Short Breaks Fund.

A Russian-speaking money laundering network uncovered by the UK’s National Crime Agency shows the clear links between organised crime, sanctions evasion and hostile state activity.

Major UK pork producers can resume exports to China as the government secures the end Covid-era restrictions on UK unprocessed pork exports.

The Assembly’s Health Committee recently (06 December 2024) expressed its disappointment and concern at the ongoing delays in the opening of the Royal Maternity Hospital, which had an original completion date of December 2015.

A community group in the Scottish Borders has been given £595,500 by the Scottish Land Fund to buy an area of land in their village.

A consultation opens today on a shortlist of options for a replacement of the A494 River Dee Bridge in Flintshire.

Dr Gerald Martin Smith has been imprisoned for an additional 13 months for obstructing the SFO from seizing his properties on behalf of the taxpayer.

Government helps deliver a train-building deal that will give Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe site a future – helping protect hundreds of jobs in the Northeast.

Meteosat’s Third Generation Imager (MTG-I1) satellite will now be referred to as Meteosat-12, marking a shift to its now operational use in weather forecasting.

UK and Switzerland update science and research partnership to focus on some of today’s most pressing challenges, from healthcare to green energy.

Summarises the key findings from research exploring mixed mode survey designs in the context of the Scottish Government’s large-scale general population surveys.

Statement on the public sector approach from the Permanent Secretary of DSIT.

Syria’s president might be toppled, or a new civil war could break out with Abu Mohammed Al-Jawlani’s HTS forces. But another ceasefire seems the most likely outcome.

Dr Patterson, a GP working on the frontline of primary care, describes why he is encouraged by NICE's approval of tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

Minister for Employment speech at the Employment Related Services Association annual conference 2024.

The Scottish Budget will ensure people in Scotland are better off than in the rest of the UK, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said – as she urged Parliament to unite in delivering progress for Scotland.

At Coleg Gwent a group of hearing-impaired learners are developing independent life skills through individually tailored support.

The NRLA has confirmed that it has agreed a new partnership with Homebox, the leading free utility management service that provides essential assistance to landlords and agents during the time-consuming transition period between tenancies.

Almost everywhere in England is now below England’s 2040 target for PM2.5 air pollution, but still falling short of the WHO’s recommended limit.

Following ORR calling out its poor performance on reliability of its assistance to disabled passengers, train operator Northern has now provided the rail regulator with an acceptable action plan that sets out how they will improve passenger assistance.

The Home Office has announced that it will temporarily extend the Move On period - the time between someone claiming asylum receiving a decision on the application and having to leave Home Office funded accommodation - from 28 days to 56. The LGA said this was a positive step that will benefit councils, communities and people seeking asylum.

Record funding will transform engagement with health services.

New standards to improve the care and treatment of bone health issues and prevent more people suffering painful and debilitating fractures have been published.

JRF Principal Policy Adviser Abby Jitendra responded to the Prime Minister's new Plan for Change

Research to improve the sense of touch in prosthetic arms and develop tests of blood clot formation and breakdown are among 100 new projects announced last week.

Health leaders are ready to take forward the government’s ambition to hit the 92% waiting time target.

Single case of disease confirmed in Dumfries and Galloway.

A £120m package of additional funding to support local authorities has been confirmed

IPPR has reacted to Keir Starmer’s speech announcing six new ‘milestones’ by which the government’s progress this parliament should be judged.

UKHSA and BIMA urge Muslims to prioritize flu and COVID-19 vaccines for strong immunity against winter viruses.

LGA Chair Louise Gittins, responded to the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change speech 

Sewage flooded into properties and thousands of fish were killed

UK announces new funding to support White Helmets' response to the current escalations in Syria

A suspected people smuggler wanted by German law enforcement has been arrested by officers from the National Crime Agency in Leicestershire.

A man convicted of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of a 71-year-old diabetic woman at a ‘slapping therapy’ workshop has been jailed. 

Three new advisers to take on strengthened role. 

The Welsh Government’s Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies has warned that there may be very significant impacts from Storm Darragh and urged people to take extreme care this weekend.

A former Cambridgeshire Constabulary officer who visited a woman in police uniform while off duty and used police issue handcuffs for a sexual encounter, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had he not already resigned, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).     

Lincolnshire Police has today been moved into an enhanced level of monitoring by the police inspectorate.

The Home Office have announced that they are extending the notice period given to refugees to leave accommodation when they are granted status to remain. The extension will be from 28 to 56 days. In a letter to local authorities they have proposed this will be a pilot until July 2025.

The effectiveness of health measures in getting people back into work or keeping them in work will be trialled by the NHS in the coming months.

Jealous ex-partners and murderers who use their hands as weapons to strangle victims face severe prison sentences under new laws set to be brought in by the government.

A new radar satellite supported by the UK was launched into space from French Guiana at 9:20pm GMT on Thursday 5 December.

A consultation into an environmental permit application from Rathlin Energy (UK) Limited has been extended by the Environment Agency following feedback.

Minister speaks at State of the City Economy conference.

With the return of Donald Trump imminent and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal of NATO security guarantees for Ukraine’s unoccupied territories on the table, attention has turned to how peace might be made to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Researchers from across the UK backed to advance projects which could spark new life-changing developments.

Unlocking Opportunities, our live show series in partnership with FE News, returned this week.

As Children’s Commissioner I have made it my mission to make sure that young people’s voices are heard, listened to and acted upon by decision makers. 

What better way to mine curiosity and build fascination in something old than to stitch it together with something new? That’s exactly what Cadw has done with the support of Microsoft’s Minecraft Education.

Political parties registered in the UK have reported accepting £9,681,128 in donations and public funds during the third quarter of 2024 (July to September), according to figures published yesterday by the Electoral Commission (Opens in new window). 

Bridging generational differences can foster better collaboration within projects, experts advised during a discussion held at Association for Project Management’s virtual Volunteer’s Development Forum.

Combined Space Operations Initiative partners meet in Florence, Italy, to enhance space security.

Funding will enable clusters to connect the maritime sector with local businesses, which will drive private investment into regional maritime.

More than 100 organisations working to tackle violence against women and girls will receive £19 million in new funding.

If you’re selling unwanted items online there is no new tax rule.

Plastics producers at the INC-5 talks resisted curbs on production that others insist are essential. But negotiators have another chance early next year.

UK Economy To Grow At A Steady Yet Unimpressive Pace As Budget Measures Weigh On Business – CBI Economic Forecast.

The government has announced a pledge to decide on at least 150 major infrastructure projects and deliver 1.5 million homes in this Parliament.

Social Justice Secretary writes to counterpart seeking early engagement.

Officers from the Environment Agency have carried out surveys at Greatham, Teesside with positive results for local fish populations.

Maxen Power – an energy company supplying more than 10,000 non-domestic customers - has paid £1.65million for customer service failures.

NHS fears of a potential ‘quad-demic’ are rising with a 350% increase in flu cases and an 86% rise in norovirus cases in hospital compared to same week last year – alongside concerns about rising COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)c levels in hospitals.

Hundreds of inspections at council buildings will be carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to check councils are managing the risk of asbestos properly.

Unions to consider package for 24/25.

The APCC's Joint Leads on Local Policing, Chris Nelson and Matt Storey, responded to a pledge from the Prime Minister of a boost to neighbourhood policing in England and Wales 

A Manchester mum had to live in an unsuitable and unsafe flat with her disabled son for 18 months longer than she should have, according to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Veena Raleigh, Senior Fellow, The King’s Fund, commented on new data from the ONS on life expectancy in local areas 

A record 20.7 million UK homes can now access full-fibre broadband, according to Ofcom’s latest annual report on the nation’s broadband and mobile networks

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responded to new data showing reported notifications of Tuberculosis in England increased by 11 per cent in 2023 compared to the previous year 

APCC Joint Leads for Victims, Lisa Townsend and Clare Moody responded to the Ministry of Justice confirmation to Police and Crime Commissioners of central government funding for victims’ service for 2025/26

A Worcestershire child with significant and complex needs had to live in an unsuitable home for far longer than necessary because Bromsgrove and Worcestershire councils made a catalogue of errors when adapting a home to their needs.

New research by the Work Foundation at Lancaster University examining the reasons behind workers dropping out of the UK jobs market after sickness, reveals the true scale of interventions needed to stem the flow of people leaving work due to ill health.

Reported notifications of TB in England increased by 11% in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Frozen Local Housing Allowance rates have left councils to pick up more than £700 million in costs that they are unable to claim back from government, threatening their financial viability and hampering efforts to reduce homelessness.