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The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) for local government to set a clear cyber security standard for the sector.

The UK Government has announced plans to merge the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) and the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) into a single new infrastructure body, the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).

As part of marking Baby Loss Awareness Week, the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Finance Committee recently (08 October 2024) called for Baby Loss Certificates to be brought into law.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump could not be more different when it comes to trade, despite a changed economic landscape.

Opportunities to deliver growth and investment will be at the top of the agenda when leaders of the four nations meet at the UK’s first Council of the Nations and Regions in Scotland today.

The new artwork for the Coat of Arms was yesterday reveiled for use by the Government.

In a speech given yesterday at Skanska's national HQ, the Chief Secretary sets the Government's vision for the country's infrastructure.

Ofcom recently published its response to Channel 4 Corporation’s Statement of Media Content Policy.

Government makes significant expansion to size of attendance mentoring to get thousands more persistently absent pupils back in school.

An incremental pay increase offered to Resident Doctors, formerly known as Junior Doctors, and Dentists in Training will ensure NHS Scotland remains an attractive place to work and train in, Health Secretary Neil Gray has said.

Ordnance Survey has been appointed by the Geospatial Commission as the future operator of NUAR, which will be incorporated into the National Mapping Service’s public task. It will move to public beta service in spring 2025, and allow eligible organisations to roll NUAR out across their workforces.

China's nuclear expansion challenges European security by complicating NATO’s deterrence posture, raising concerns about extended deterrence and necessitating a strategic recalibration by NATO nuclear powers.

The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) has helped 110 million people adapt to the effects of climate change.

Natural England is seeking views on a new Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Yorkshire Wolds.

A new design for the Coat of Arms (image 1) has today been unveiled, following the accession of His Majesty The King.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, has stressed the importance of mental health in the workplace during a visit to an employer leading the way with supporting their employees.

Urgent donations are needed to help care for and better understand the more than 1,000,000 historic artefacts in our care. So today, we launch the Million and More Appeal.

A new Minister for Investment has been appointed to head up a bolstered Office for Investment, as part of a wider Whitehall ‘shake up’ to strengthen the government’s offer and partnership with businesses and investors.

The production of HMS Formidable underway as steel is cut. Production will sustain 2,500 jobs in Scotland and across the UK, supporting economic growth.

While the US–India relationship will continue to deepen whoever wins the US election, the two countries must become more realistic about its limits.

The Scottish Government accounts for the last financial year have been given an unqualified audit opinion.

Baby boomers – those born in the late 1940s and 50s – are more likely to experience multiple health problems in their later years than their older counterparts, finds a study led by UCL researchers.

Kinship Care Week is a chance to recognise the incredible but often under-acknowledged contributions of kinship carers – family members and close friends who step in during times of crisis to care for children.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak yesterday commented on publication of the government’s Employment Rights Bill and wider plan to Make Work Pay.

The School Support Staff Negotiating Body will ensure school support staff are valued and recognised for the vital work they do.

Emergency legislation will be introduced to Parliament to contribute to the sustainable long-term management of Scotland’s prison population, Justice Secretary Angela Constance told MSPs.

We worked closely with the government on the purchase from National Grid of the Electricity System Operator to form the publicly owned National Energy System Operator (NESO).

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget, techUK sets out a plan for the Government to restore confidence in the UK’s flagship R&D tax relief scheme, prioritising longer-term policy stability, effective administration from HMRC and better support for SMEs.

A £10 million funding package provided by Danske Bank and guaranteed by UK Export Finance (UKEF) has played a key role in enabling The Deluxe Group to secure one of its biggest-ever export contracts.

The statement follows the Secretary of State's meeting with Council representatives

The Local Government Association (LGA) is calling on the Government to take immediate and decisive action to tackle the adult social care workforce crisis, as a new report reveals huge challenges in recruiting and retaining staff. 

People urged to check and use Best Start Foods card  

Two criminals who sold Class A drugs and firearms have been jailed following a National Crime Agency investigation.

The APCC's Joint Leads on Local Policing, Matt Story and Chris Nelson, commented on the publication of a report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services into the policing response to anti-social behaviour

A mother fleeing domestic abuse with her children had to live in accommodation, provided by Tower Hamlets council, that was so unsuitable her eldest child, who is disabled, regularly soiled themselves because they were scared of using the shared bathroom, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has heard.

Waiting lists grew, A&E departments reported their busiest September on record and ambulance response times increased.

Homeless Link has coordinated an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget.

It will be finely balanced whether the Chancellor can avoid cuts to public services and meet her current budget balance rule without fresh tax rises.

Police forces must do more to tackle antisocial behaviour and understand its prevalence in their local communities, the police inspectorate has said.

Victims of domestic abuse are sometimes being let down by councils using an outdated and too narrow definition of what abuse means, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has warned.

Monitored global wildlife populations have seen a catastrophic average decline in size of 73% in 50 years (1970-2020), the latest edition of the Living Planet Index – published today (10 October) as part of WWF’s biennial Living Planet Report – has found

First-ever Mayoral Council meeting held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to discuss the future of devolution

Ian Murray welcomes recommendations by Joseph Rowntree Foundation and vows to work with Scottish Government to tackle associated issues and break down barriers

Statement between the UK and US will bring countries closer on joint priority of creating a safer online world.

In speech at Skanska's national HQ, Chief Secretary to the Treasury sets out vision for the future of the country’s infrastructure.

New NHS data shows there have been 1.2 million more accident and emergency (A&E) attendances so far this year compared to the same period before the pandemic, as the NHS ramps up its preparations for winter.

The CIPD responds to the launch of landmark workers' rights reforms today, as part of the Government's Make Work Pay plan

On World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Awareness Day, this blog from Sarah Assen, an Operational Manager for Homelessness Services in Manchester explains how Critical Time Intervention approaches can be used to improve services

Our Employment Rights Bill will ban exploitative zero-hours contracts, end fire and rehire, and introduce basic employment rights from day one.

The UK Minister for Africa has announced a package of support for Ethiopia.

Self Assessment customers urged to use online guidance as top 5 calls to helpline revealed

A report on the impact of projects funded through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund in 2023 to 2024.

More than 370 million girls and women alive today – or 1 in 8 – experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, according to new UNICEF estimates released today.

The Strategic Defence Review now underway has been described as a ‘root and branch review’ of the whole UK defence enterprise, pointing the way to ‘a new era for defence’.

Consultations open for five new draft Fisheries Management Plans to secure the sustainability of UK fish stocks.

A new competition has been launched to help find innovative uses of artificial intelligence (AI) within assessments.

Karl Flinders, journalist at Computer Weekly renowned for exposing the Post Office scandal, and Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, computer scientist and founder of Stemettes, have been named the recipients of the BCS Society Medal, awarded by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

CBI CEO has responded to Employment Rights Bill.

Industry group for examining the impact of technology on the UK’s investment management sector publishes its third report.

Our cultural leaders are a precious resource.  We at the Arts Council value the enormous contribution they make to championing our sector’s creative ambition and to providing opportunity for all. 

Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, recently (08 October 2024) set out why prison governors are at the forefront of efforts to drive down reoffending.

Dstl will test a short wave infrared camera to identify objects in orbit over the South Pole as part of a space domain awareness trial.

The UK government has announced the Employment Rights Bill, which includes many of techUK's manifesto recommendations.

Health Innovation North West Coast is exploring ways to improve the care of patients with heart failure (HF).

Eliminating Hamas and Hezbollah leaders will not on their own bring peace. Tehran’s malign influence must be countered.

A joint statement signed by organisations and campaigners including the TUC, Age UK, the Fawcett Society, Anna Whitehouse (founder of Flex Appeal) and Pregnant Then Screwed warns of a “witch-hunt” against workers being able to work more flexibly (07 October 2024).

Millions of workers stand to benefit from greater financial security in later life following a consultation launched recently (08 October 2024).

Support for local projects.

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum recently (08 October 2024) gave his latest update on the current national security threats facing the UK.

Tony Juniper speech given yesterday at the launch of Natural England’s first State of Natural Capital Report (09 October 2024).

Six months to go to maximise your State Pension.

We have fined two companies for making unlawful marketing calls to individuals registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).

The FCA has fined TSB Bank plc (TSB) £10,910,500 for failing to ensure customers who were in arrears were treated fairly.

To mark the day, the Cabinet Secretary visited Blue Dragon Court in Cardiff and met staff to hear about their work and the support they provide to help people move on from the experience of homelessness.

TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak comments ahead of the publication of the Employment Rights Bill today (Thursday)

The report was produced for us by Edge Hill University after an independent evidence review that collated research from across 143 studies.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Fleur Anderson, was speaking after attending the Accelerating Change conference in Belfast yesterday (9 October)

Ministers have unveiled the Employment Rights Bill to help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK.

Funding will provide more parking for HGVs, better conditions for lorry drivers and support UK businesses to take advantage of the latest technology.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak responds to the announcement yesterday (Wednesday) that seafarers will gain new protections as the government closes the legal loophole exploited by P&O Ferries and ends fire and rehire practices,

Long Duration Electricity Storage investment support scheme will boost investor confidence and unlock billions in funding for vital projects

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy yesterday laid legislation in Parliament introducing a new tax relief for independent British films to boost the growth of the UK’s world class film sector.

New trade sanctions unit becomes operational

The National Lottery Community Fund has announced changes to its main funding initiative following extensive consultation with communities.

Three men have been found guilty at Northampton Magistrates Court in cases brought by the Environment Agency on Monday 23 September 2024.

Six men have been arrested over a half-tonne haul of cocaine worth £40m seized on a West Sussex beach.

Health Innovation North West Coast has launched its first accelerator programme today, 9 October 2024. We are welcoming seven companies and seven collaborators to join us for 8 weeks of engaging, expert guidance.

Two former RAC employees have been handed a suspended prison sentence and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, for unlawfully copying and selling over 29,500 lines of personal information.

The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted an angler from Scunthorpe for fishing during the close season.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will put the Bill to overhaul renting before MPs today which will end Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.

CHAS members to benefit from streamlined entry to RoSPA’s prestigious awards, in one of the most significant changes to the scheme in years

We are committed to modernising our service and investing in tools that enable us to give time-pressed businesses access to our advice and expertise 24/7. From 11 October, we will be piloting some changes to the way we provide support to businesses.

Chair of Natural England Tony Juniper says benefits provided by nature make it vital to national prosperity

CMA issues letters to businesses alongside new guidance following an investigation into unregulated providers of will writing, online divorce and pre-paid probate services.

New service provides Local Authorities crucial information on climate change in their area.

Quantum technologies are advancing at pace, offering huge potential to improve our lives. For example, researchers are already using the next generation of certain quantum sensors to collect highly granular information about people’s brain patterns to improve medical research and diagnostics, while there are ongoing efforts to test real world applications for early stage quantum computers.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is visiting Bahrain and Jordan to strengthen de-escalation efforts in the Middle East.

A new arrangement on cooperation between the statistical authorities of the UK and the European Union has been signed today in Poland, when the National Statistician met with the Director General of the EU’s statistical office, Eurostat. 

CHOOSE GROWTH: GIVE BUSINESS THE RIGHT LEVERS TO UNLOCK INVESTMENT - CBI AUTUMN BUDGET SUBMISSION

Government support to help council replace fleet.

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, recently visited a low carbon social housing development in Cardiff.

A spokesperson for the Equality and Human Rights Commission issues statement on gender pay gap compliance

New Victim Contact Team to be set up.

The number of investigations carried out by councils where a child is believed to be at risk of harm now amounts to on average over 600 every day, according to latest figures, showing why it is vital children’s social care is given emergency funding in the Autumn Budget.

An assessment of climate threats to UK national security has highlighted climate tipping points as a severely overlooked danger, according to a new report from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), Chatham House, the University of Exeter, and the Strategic Climate Risks Initiative. 

A new Community Support Centre opens in Aberafan Shopping Centre today to provide support, guidance and retraining advice to individuals and businesses impacted by the decision by Tata Steel UK to transition to greener steelmaking at Port Talbot.

All parents who have experienced losing a pregnancy can apply for a certificate formally recognising their loss, the government has announced.

Young people across the country are being called upon to put their cyber skills to the test in the new UK Cyber Team Competition, offering them the chance to represent the UK on the world stage and kickstart a career in cyber security. 

A new NHS Confederation report warns that across many parts of the country there is work still to be done to move to a 'neighbourhood health service'.

Taking place once again at London’s ExCel centre, this year’s Connected Britain showcased once again why it is the premier event in the calendar for all those working in the connectivity market. Discussions revolved around industry successes, future technology and regulation, what the new government means for digital connectivity and so much more.

Film and the creative industries to form key part of government’s mission to grow the economy in all parts of the UK

RUSI participated for the second time in the annual Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) summit Washington, DC.

UK Government urged to reverse ‘damaging’ decision.

Health services under immense strain as the number of casualities and injuries rises, including among children 

The launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office provides a new opportunity to remove barriers to technology deployment in the UK.

The SSRO has published the conclusions of our most recent engagement with stakeholders regarding improvements to our yearly baseline profit rate assessment process.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, has visited Aberaeron to see the progress of a £31.5m flood defence scheme.

Call for bids: project that would bring together voices from civil society to discuss challenges to democratic governance and sustainable development in Peru.

Speaking at the Sport Positive summit, Chris Boardman praised organisations driving change on environmental sustainability but warned our sector needs to lift its ambition.

The new collaboration will leverage the expertise of the people profession to better support prison leavers

Being announced on Ada Lovelace Day, a team of CyberFirst Bursary alumni will be representing the UK at the inaugural Kunoichi Cyber Games taking place at the Code Blue cyber security conference in Tokyo.

The Bank of England (BoE) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently launched the Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS) to encourage innovation in financial market infrastructure while ensuring stability and market integrity. This initiative is designed to reinforce the UK’s position as a leading global financial hub. 

A brief summary of the CCS agreements that expired, extended, or were awarded in September 2024

The Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle today (Tuesday 8th October) celebrates the work of immersion centres as demand for late immersion provision continues to grow – with Wales seen as a world leader in the field.

Unsettled weather persists for much of this week, with things turning colder later.

A romance fraudster who conned his victim into borrowing money and handing over her savings has been ordered to pay back over £32,000 of the stolen money.

Simon Lightwood spoke with women in the industry and reaffirmed the government's commitment to a bus revolution.

The National Archives, in partnership with Forces War Records, the leading military family history website from Ancestry®, has launched a digital collection of Royal Flying Corps and successors: World War One Gallantry Award Medal Index Cards. 

Earlier this year, Centre for Mental Health and Homeless Link co-hosted a roundtable that brought together key stakeholders from across sectors to explore the barriers faced by people experiencing both poor mental health and homelessness, and potential opportunities to create change. This article by Andy Bell, CEO of Centre for Mental Health and Homeless Link's Head of Policy and Research Sophie Boobis summarises these discussions.

Spruce tree planting prohibited in parts of East Anglia and South East England

Lisa Ramsarran, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in Thames and Chiltern, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Hertfordshire Constabulary to charge David Carrick with sexual offences against two women.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has won a bid to run a programme designed to make sure cell-cultivated products are safe for consumers to eat before they are approved for sale.

Are you a public sector organisation looking for routes to decarbonising your building stock? 

Ofsted has today published a report looking at how schools support children to develop the foundational knowledge and skills they need by the end of key stage 1, to give them the best chance of educational success later on.

Lourenço Ventura and Emma Cochrane will join the CMA’s existing team and Richard Romney will take up his current Senior Legal Director role on a permanent basis.

CCW has warned water companies’ failure to deliver on some of their performance commitments risks further undermining consumers’ trust and satisfaction with the sector.

Acting Cabinet Secretary accepts resignation of outgoing chair

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh recurrently in Malta to mark the 60th anniversary of the country's independence and celebrate its shared heritage with the UK. 

A new statutory framework for the reimbursement of authorised push payment (APP) fraud victims, which will be overseen by the Payment Systems Regulator, was set to come into force on yesterday (Monday, 7 October 2024). 

Ofsted has today published the final part in its series of Best start in life research reviews relating to early years education.

Ofwat has today published its annual Water Company Performance Report which shows disappointing results. This demonstrates that record investment alone in the next five-year period will not deliver the sustained improvements to services and the environment needed to rebuild public trust.

Championing innovative local projects to support families.

Geospatial Commission appoint Ordnance Survey to operate the National Underground Asset Register, with the service transitioning to public beta in spring 2025.

The CIPD and the Behavioural Insights Team launch a HR consultancy support pilot for SMEs, as government set to bring in raft of new employment laws

The UK is set to lose greatest proportion of millionaires in the world over the course of this parliament

More than 1,000 British troops have begun one of the largest exercises this year in the Balkans, showing the UK’s commitment to the region’s security.

Science Secretary launches new Regulatory Innovation Office today to speed up public access to new technologies.

The next round of a tourism fund enhancing visitor experiences across Wales has been launched by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans.

Naomi Weir, CBI Director of Technology and Innovation responds to launch of new Regulatory Innovation Office

The chancellor should use the Budget to begin reforming UK fiscal rules, with the aim of making the UK’s fiscal framework one of the most growth-friendly and rigorous in the world, a new IPPR report urges today. 

UK farmers and traders will once again be able to export poultry to South Africa

Trade mission agrees key requirements for Ukraine’s future equipment and capability needs.

Communities across the country will benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art green buses.

RoSPA’s mission in road safety advocacy extends beyond creating and implementing policies to prevent road traffic collisions – it involves recognising the profound impact these incidents have on individuals and families, says Road Safety Manager, England, Caitlin Taylor.

It is clear that the health of England’s population is not where we want it to be, with life expectancy stalling and wide health inequalities.

Additional 5 billion litres of water needed every day by 2050.

Government confirms funding to launch the UK's first carbon capture sites, set to bring thousands of new skilled jobs, billions in private investment and support acceleration to net zero.

Education Secretary announces resumption of procurement for Tackling Antisemitism in Education

Vital regeneration funding used to boost inclusive economic growth should be extended by a year to avoid a cliff edge in support for local projects, councils have urged.

Maxwell Marlow, Director of Research at the Adam Smith Institute responds to Observer Splash About Potential Delay to VAT on Private School Fees

National Crime Agency officers are appealing for information to trace a man convicted in his absence of importing firearms.

Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in residential special schools and colleges across England are to be offered free NHS eyesight, hearing and dental checks.

£3 million to help improve lives and build prosperity.

Community providers are saying that now is the time to be serious about making care closer to home a reality.

TfL and Arriva Rail London have partnered with homelessness charity, Crisis, to fundraise at five London Overground stations along what will become the Mildmay line later this year

New research from EA and Cefas shows that salmon stocks in England have fallen to their lowest level since records began.

Alicat Workboats will export two boats to Turkey after securing support from UK Export Finance and Virgin Money.

DWP is urging Tax Credit customers to respond to their Universal Credit migration notices so they continue to receive benefits.

The analysis is the latest in NHS Confederation and CF’s ‘The Value in Health series’.

The Home Secretary last week (4 October 2024) agreed a major international plan to smash criminal gangs responsible for smuggling illegal migrants into G7 nations.

Words from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on the one-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks.

Programme to help avoid brain injury in childbirth piloted from today to boost maternity safety.

New UK-created therapies for cancer will be trialled in the UK – furthering the nation’s life sciences industry as one of the great drivers of economic growth.

At least 13 children were reportedly killed and another 4 injured in airstrikes in Al Kuma, in Sudan’s North Darfur State on Friday. The children who were killed were between the ages of 6 and 17.

A new report reveals that the previous UK government failed to fulfill promises of democratic renewal following Brexit. Instead, it centralised power and reduced parliamentary scrutiny in ways that undermined effective law-making. 

First Minister expresses sympathy as he calls for peace.

Two serving Met Police officers and a former officer will appear in court today (7 October) charged with assault, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Accessing suitable supported accommodation can be extremely challenging for people experiencing homelessness. Lack of availability and choice over accommodation can lead to individuals living in environments that do not cater to their needs. Accessing accommodation is one thing, but being able to feel at home, and supported  is another.​

Unions and equality campaigners have today (Monday) condemned escalating attacks on flexible working.

Nominations are now open for 23 seats on techUK’s Health and Social Care Council! 

£14 million for marine industries and coastal and island communities in 2024/25.

We have today launched a new audit framework designed to help organisations assess their own compliance with key requirements under data protection law. 

Thousands more people will automatically receive at-home bowel screening tests to help save more lives.

CBI recently (04 October 2024) responded to CCUS funding announcement.

The FCA has started a criminal prosecution against Matthew and Nikolas West for insider dealing.

CPS authorises charges for company owner following deaths of four paddleboarders in Haverfordwest (04 October 2024).

Ofcom’s Behavioural Insights Hub ran its first in-house online trial this year, and we’re looking to do more.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into complaints made by Andrew Malkinson, who was wrongly convicted of rape in 2004, continues to make good progress.

Taking over as Japan’s new prime minister after narrowly winning the Liberal Democratic Party leadership, Shigeru Ishiba’s approach to foreign and security policy is likely to include several strategic adjustments.

The Charity Commission has issued an Official Warning to the National Council for Christian Standards in Society (NCCSS) for failing to follow its advice.

Two fifths of 32-year-olds in England want children – or more children, if they are already parents – but only one in four of them are actively trying to conceive.

Did you know you can lease your property to your local authority and get hassle-free, guaranteed rental income?