WIREDGOV

Severe weather and disruption expected to continue. 

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy's speech on government plans to grow the creative industries, at the Creative Industries Growth Summit in Gateshead.

Vulnerable people at risk of unfair eviction or homelessness could benefit from a £20 million a year boost in legal aid as a consultation is launched today.

Storm Éowyn is bringing destructive winds to northwestern parts of the UK as it moves in, Red Weather Warnings are in force for Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.

Government to review UK Internal Market Act, working closely with devolved governments throughout

Visit to city considers energy and connectivity drivers crucial for wider region's long term economic growth

The Charity Commission is engaging with trustees of Church charities following the Makin Review.

As the UK’s regulator for online safety, Ofcom makes sure organisations that provide online services are carrying out their duties to comply with new rules, to help protect their users from harmful content.

A package of investment reforms to spur regional growth across the country is being announced to attract investment in all corners of the UK.

A scheme helping pupils to learn in a football environment is one of a range of regeneration projects set to share £62 million from the 2025-26 draft Scottish Budget.

Donald Trump must ally with Latin American countries in order to stop criminality and terror practices converging in the region.

UK’s largest community funder issues guidance on using AI for funding applications and 10 principles for using AI to benefit people and communities.

The NDA group has welcomed today’s UK Government policy decision to immobilise the UK’s inventory of civil separated plutonium at Sellafield.

A statement from the Home Secretary in response to the sentencing of the perpetrator of the horrific Southport attack.

St Mark’s Church in Caia Park, Wrexham, is being transformed into a hub for sports, drama, lunch clubs, and more, thanks to £300,000 from the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme.

UKRI unveils a new £9 million proof-of-concept fund to help convert world-class research into market-leading products and services.

The Association for Project Management (APM) are recruiting for new volunteers to join their array of Interest Networks.

A major deal, worth approximately £9 billion, has been struck with British firm Rolls-Royce to bolster support to the Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear submarines, boosting national security and economic growth and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

Cabinet Office to issue Emergency Alerts in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland in response to red weather warnings issued ahead of Storm Éowyn.

STFC’s ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (ISIS) and Swedish Research Council Vetenskapsrådet (VR) signed an agreement this week to extend their partnership.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an independent investigation into the involvement of South Wales Police following a fatal road traffic collision on the Junction 30 eastbound exit slip road of the M4, on Thursday 9 January 2025.

Google has agreed to make significant changes to its processes for tackling fake reviews – meaning people can have more trust in the reviews they see.

Year-on-year retail sales volumes fell at a faster pace in January, extending the sector’s downturn into a fourth consecutive month. That’s according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey.

A new “Keep Britain Working” review has been launched today [Friday 24 January] to explore how to urgently support people with long-term illnesses or disabilities back into work, and to stay in work.

Improved oversight, support for carers and care home residents' rights central to National Care Service.

Families face long stretches in unsuitable accommodation and the prospect of being relocated.

Three men were arrested near Peterborough on 21 January.

The Charity Commission failed to properly handle safeguarding concerns relating to historic child sexual abuse at a charity, the Parliamentary Ombudsman has found.  

The FCA has found wholesale brokers need to enhance their systems, controls, risk awareness and training to guard against money laundering. 

UKHSA publishes the latest human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage statistics in England

Artificial intelligence is improving outcomes for the majority of project managers, a new survey by Association for Project Management (APM) has found.

Online tracking is a part of everyday digital life. It enables personalised advertising, funds many free services and shapes our online experiences.

Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation Darren Hughes responds to the NHS Wales performance statistics for November and December.

Ofcom has fined video sharing platform, MintStars Ltd, £7,000 for failing to adequately protect children from accessing online pornography.

According to new analysis from the Adam Smith Institute (ASI), the lost annual income tax revenue from millionaires leaving the UK is equivalent to the annual income tax take of over half a million average taxpayers.

Framework 3A_24 offers customers a quick, simple and competitive route to procure advertising solutions.

The Metropolitan Police Service has made improvements and has therefore been removed from an enhanced level of monitoring by the police inspectorate.

We're delighted to welcome Foundation Homes & Support CIC as a new member of Homeless Link!

Sentiment across the manufacturing sector fell at the fastest pace in over two years in January, according to the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey.

New engineering networks to address key strategic challenges and support future growth.

Automatic enrolment into workplace pensions has substantially increased the share of employees saving in a workplace pension plan and has reduced gaps in pension participation by age and earnings. 

Action to address systemic failures.

An independent review into the Loan Charge has today been launched (23 January).

An emergency authorisation for Cruiser SB, a neonicotinoid pesticide, will not be granted

Two drug dealers who attempted to acquire a handgun in the post have been jailed following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.

The government has taken immediate action after checks found widespread cases of poor-quality solid wall insulation installed under inherited ECO4 and GBIS.

The Government’s blueprint for modern, digital public services includes the creation of many more skilled technology professionals.

Norovirus levels in hospitals in England are 80% higher than the same period last year, new figures show today as pressure on NHS services remains high. 

Red Weather Warnings have been issued with Storm Éowyn forecast to bring disruptive winds as well as heavy rain and snow for some on Friday.

Investigations will determine if Apple and Google have strategic market status in their mobile ecosystems, including operating systems, app stores and mobile browsers.

Nuclear plants, trainlines and windfarms will be built quicker thanks to changes to the rules to stop blockers getting in the way of the government’s Plan for Change.

One week to deadline for millions of Self Assessment customers yet to file their tax return.

Third report on corporate parenting by Scottish Ministers. In this report, we set out how Scottish Ministers have fulfilled their duties as a corporate parent from 2021 to 2024, to support and improve outcomes for children and young people with care experience.

Russia’s economic resilience is defying expectations, enabling the Kremlin to sustain its war efforts in Ukraine despite mounting challenges, and raising doubts about hopes for a swift resolution.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson's yesterday addressed to the Bett delegation outlining her plans to modernise education through the power of technology.

At the heart of our core purpose to promote and advance learning lies a commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind. That’s why we’re proud to highlight the difference made by our Social Impact Fund.  

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has stepped in to protect the members of London Community Credit Union Limited (LCCU) which has stopped trading and is now in default. 

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, responds to the latest NHS Wales performance data.

‘Blue-bellied’ barbel have been released into the wild by the Environment Agency to see how far they travel.

New data has revealed the different generational preferences to bridging the skills gap in the project profession, as part of a survey by the Association for Project Management (APM).

VOA continues its investigation into potential breaches of its standards.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer announces we are now in the seasonally vector low period for bluetongue virus.

New head of independent police scrutiny body.

We have today announced plans to bring the UK’s top 1,000 websites into compliance with data protection law.

The Charity Commission has published the findings of its statutory inquiry into Brighton Mosque and Muslim Community Centre.

Public sector technology has burst out the gate sprinting in 2025. Recently (21 January) alone the government launched a new Digital Centre for Government and published 2 reports (“The State of Digital Government Review” and “Blueprint for Modern Digital Government”).

Welfare fraudsters who cheated the taxpayer out of £7 billion last year could be banned from driving if they repeatedly fail to reimburse the public and repay their debt.

The Welsh Government yesterday announced that the new Ynys Mon Freeport special status has gone live.

This data provides information about the number and types of applications that HM Land Registry completed in December 2024.

People across the Lower Derwent Valley are being invited to explore the wonders of nature as part of World Wetlands Day celebrations.

A man’s convictions for false imprisonment and two counts of rape have been referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission after new details emerged about his police interview and evidence from his mobile phone. 

Drivers in Greater Manchester will not face additional charges as the area is set to benefit instead from an £86 million scheme to clean up the region’s air

The UK will also contribute maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft to bolster a NATO response after damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea

Credible health information supports people to make decisions about everything from vaccination to surgery.​ People who use trustworthy health information report feeling more able to manage their health, more prepared for appointments and more confident engaging in shared decision-making.

A Trafford child has missed months of education despite the council identifying a suitable tutor within a fortnight of them leaving mainstream school, a Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman report has revealed.

Malicious predators who create sexually explicit deepfakes without consent can expect to face the full force of the law under a new amendment to legislation.

What are the drivers of ethnic gaps in private pension participation rates and what consequences will these gaps have for future retirement incomes?

Somerset Council has been criticised by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman for taking too long to put in place Speech and Language therapy for a teenager with special educational needs, following an earlier complaint.

Public Health Wales and dental health experts have welcomed findings from the NHS Wales Dental Epidemiological Programme, which show a significant reduction in tooth decay rates among 12-year-olds in Wales.

Budget will increase provision of wrap-around help for families

A new Nature Restoration Fund will accelerate infrastructure projects and enable developers to meet their environmental obligations faster.

Storm Éowyn will bring very strong winds as well as heavy rain and snow for some on Friday.

The Council has opened a consultation on a proposed new guideline for sentencing illegal activities associated with hare coursing.

First Minister outlines plans to help grow Scotland’s economy.

Government’s Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme will be extended for 2025/26.

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at the free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs commented on speculation around Trump’s commitment to implementing new tariffs

Customer service continues to deteriorate from last year’s all-time low as concerns raised over uncollectable debt and reduction in prosecutions.

Two drugs traffickers whose organised crime group was brought down after sending a picture of a pet dog, have been told to hand over almost £1.2m.

Reform of national education bodies.

The independent Sentencing Council is consulting on a proposed new guideline for sentencing illegal activities associated with hare coursing.

Siva Anandaciva, Director of Policy, Partnerships and Events at The King’s Fund responds to the outcome of the New Hospital Programme review

We have fined West Sussex-based company ESL Consultancy Services Ltd (ESL) £200,000 for knowingly instigating unlawful loan promotion nuisance text messages being sent to people who had not consented to receive them.

A new report explores a framework for global climate risk management and includes contributions from an actuary at the Government Actuary's Department.

The terms of reference for the second phase of the review looking at CQC's assessment framework and its implementation have now been published.

Communities across mid-Wales are set to experience early benefits that groundbreaking bus reform will bring.

The Princess Royal is visiting South Africa this week. Read on for more.

Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions responds to questions around the release of information relating to the trial of Axel Rudakubana

The public spending watchdog has estimated that the government’s maintenance backlog is at least £49 billion; government will need to consider the best way to manage its assets alongside its long-term investment plans, in addition to the cost of ongoing maintenance, to bring property condition to a satisfactory level.  

Pilot to support oil and gas workers transition to renewables.

With one in six species at risk of extinction in Wales, it has never been more important to restore and strengthen people’s connection to nature.

Employers face a challenging year ahead, with rising costs and employment law changes on the horizon likely to affect hiring and wage growth, says the CIPD

The Scottish Secretary showcases the best of Scotland’s food and drink ahead of Burns Night

Education Secretary to announce plans for digital revolution in schools at the Bett Show in London.

Regional skills investments to help workers access thousands of jobs and "skills passport" goes live.

Cutting crime and reducing the number of vulnerable women being sent to prison is top of the agenda at the first meeting of the Women’s Justice Board.

NHS leaders consistently report that a lack of capital is limiting their ability to tackle backlogs and boost productivity.

With unemployment rate at 3.8%, Ian Murray says focus on Plan for Change is vital to ensure access to well-paid work, encourage growth and raise living standards

The treatment landscape for lung cancer has changed considerably in the last decade, and survival rates have improved.

This joint blog from Homeless Link and NACCOM provides an analysis of the latest legislation changes and makes recommendations for next steps.

This week will see the release of “The State of Digital Government” report.

The FDA is recommending to members to accept the Northern Ireland civil service pay offer for 2024/25, which represents a 9% increase over a 20-month period.

Doug Gurr will lead the CMA on its mission to support growth for the UK

British soldiers are set to benefit from 623 new state-of-the-art Boxer armoured vehicles, as the first fully British-made Boxer was yesterday unveiled at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference in Farnborough.

The rules stipulate underwater explosions and construction should be achieved through low-noise methods, accelerating offshore wind projects by preventing building delays.

The UK government has announced a new sanctions regime targeting organised immigration crime. How does it ensure these new sanctions have teeth?

The UK government is launching a GOV.UK Wallet and App to simplify access to services and documents like digital driver’s licences, alongside reforms to public sector technology to save £45 billion and drive efficiency and growth.

How Trump and Congress address looming fiscal challenges will have far-reaching consequences that could affect the foundations of US economic power.

The NRLA recently (20 January 2025) announced that it has agreed a new partnership with Checkatrade, the UK’s leading platform for home improvements, that will benefit landlords seeking quality work on their rental homes and offer more jobs to tradespeople.

Suspended sentence for sole trader who committed Bounce Back Loan fraud.

The public are encouraged to visit local pharmacies for free advice and treatment, with more than 400,000 people using the common ailments service in the past year.

A TEENAGER who attacked children at a Taylor Swift themed dance class, killing three and seriously injuring 10 other people yesterday pleaded guilty.

Whether you’re a large, medium, or small charity, workforce training can be extremely challenging.

Ministers will be banging the drum for Britain at Davos this week, with the most visible UK Government presence in recent years pitching the UK’s investment offer to top business chiefs.

Read a summary of our 2024 accomplishments from techUK CEO, Julian David.

Statement from Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Southport (20 January 2025).

The role of computer evidence in the criminal justice system will be examined through a call for evidence to prevent future miscarriages of justice.

PackUK launched to deliver the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR).

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are to be revised and updated to give consumers a clearer picture of their home’s energy performance and to link better with the drive to cut emissions from homes and buildings.

As President Trump is sworn in, Dr Burcu Ozcelik, our Senior Research Fellow for Middle East Security, reflects on what this means for the Middle East.

The government has announced a new plan to leverage technology and AI tools like "Humphrey" to streamline public services, eliminate delays through improved data sharing, and reduce costs, including consultant spending.

Almost 70,000 people with mental health issues were given employment support last year as part of the NHS Talking Therapies Programme – up nearly two-thirds on the year before, latest NHS figures show.

Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West visits Indonesia with a focus on green growth, later traveling on to Timor-Leste.

Latest update of free app allows customers to check their contactless and Oyster accounts while on the move.

The Electoral Commission has concluded an investigation into the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform. The investigation found that the members association failed to report donations on time.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a statement on the Southport public inquiry today.

The Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry, Opening Speech at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference, Farnborough.

The government has confirmed that all projects in the New Hospital Programme will be built.

The SFO secured its first UWO as it seeks to recover a Lake District property believed to have been purchased with the proceeds of a £100m fraud. 

Calorie labelling of food on menus and products leads people to choose slightly fewer calories finds a new Cochrane review co-led by UCL researchers.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred the sentence of a woman convicted for trafficking offences to the Court of Appeal because credit was not given for time she spent in custody whilst awaiting extradition to the UK.

Ofcom has today launched a digital toolkit to help businesses comply with new online safety rules.

The Grain Verification Scheme will help track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories.

The Chief Statistician has released part 2 of the 2023-24 justice social work statistics. This includes information on justice social work services, as well as characteristics of the people involved.

Public sector workers are being held back by archaic technology according to a new report set to be published on Tuesday.

The Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has outlined his determination to deal with the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland.

Financial services sector set for key role in designing first-ever Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy.

techUK and our sister organisation JEITA have released a joint statement detailing how both Governments can work with industry to take the next steps in the UK-Japan Tech and Trade relationship.

Security professionals are urged to remain vigilant and question who their clients are to ensure they are not carrying out damaging activity against the UK.

Trump seems to have pushed Biden’s deal over the line. But the international community must maintain pressure on the parties to engage on a political settlement.

A new report shows how drug-fuelled crime is being tackled through tough community sentences to get offenders with addiction issues back on straight and narrow.

UK-qualified professionals to find it easier to work in Switzerland, as new permanent agreement ensures professional qualifications can be recognised.

Draft regulations to be laid in Parliament in autumn.

The Consumer Council for Water’s Chief Executive Mike Keil will answer questions on the impact of Ofwat’s 2024 Price Review decisions on water customers, when he appears before the EFRA Committee at Westminster on Tuesday (10am).

This joint statement was released following the meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw on 17 January 2025.

A trio of people smugglers who made several failed attempts to transport migrants across the Channel have been jailed.

Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer will today (Monday 20 January) visit the UN to call for last week’s Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to be implemented in full.

South Africa’s apartheid-era ‘Bantustans’ exemplified state-sponsored pseudo-independence. Today, history risks repeating itself in Russia’s occupied Ukrainian territories, though this irony seems lost on some African politicians.

A man who held far-right beliefs and wanted to ‘exterminate’ asylum seekers has been jailed for life for attempted murder after stabbing an Eritrean man twice in the chest.

Statement on North Wales Water Shortages.

Apply now for pupillage at the Government Legal Department.

On 15 December 2024, the UK officially became a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), marking a significant achievement as the first non-founding and first European country to join. 

Ukraine's evolving search for security guarantees reflects hard-learned lessons from the Budapest Memorandum, with bilateral agreements offering hope yet raising critical uncertainties.

Thousands of working families with babies in neonatal care will be entitled to additional time off as a day one right.

Expertise, innovation and collaboration within the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group supply chain has been showcased at its 10th industry event.

New measures were recently (16 January 2024) announced to reduce the reliance of the migration and borders system on taxpayer funding. 

The Welsh Government has announced a £700,000 investment to help Cwtch Mawr, a multibank in Swansea, expand its reach and offer free essential items to even more people in need.

The Environment Agency’s National Coarse Fish Rearing Unit in Calverton, Nottinghamshire produced and stocked 510,488 fish in 2024.

Project success hinges on how we handle ‘the people stuff’. Yet most of us can’t really explain ‘why people behave as they do’. This webinar was held on 14 January 2025.

A new campaign has been launched today (Monday 20 January) by a taskforce that includes energy regulator Ofgem and trade association Energy UK, and is supported by consumer groups National Energy Action and Energy Action Scotland.   

New tap in tap out system will guarantee passengers get the best fare available at the time on the day.

A lack of resources, a very short lifespan and high risk of duplication has left MPs on the Treasury Committee sceptical about the newly established Office for Value for Money (OVfM) according to a new report.

Our investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of 23-year-old Liam Allan, who drowned in the River Thames after escaping from Met Police officers who had arrested him, has made recommendations to the force.

Three convicted money launderers, responsible for illegally obtaining Australian dollars and laundering them through cryptocurrency, were recently ordered to pay a total of £23,629,031 through a Confiscation Order made by the court.

Young adults who fall victim to crime will be better supported through a new Government campaign.

The government is tripling the Rough Sleeping Winter Pressures Funding from £10 million to £30 million.

Finance Secretary calls for clarity as local authorities set their budgets.

Recommendations will help organisations that evaluate new drugs establish whether their use will result in longer-term benefits for patients.

A Norfolk farmer with a history of environmental offending has been fined for taking and using more water than permitted.

Border Force seized 119 tonnes of illegal drugs, a 52% increase from last year, in the highest number of seizures on record.

Ofcom has announced the implementation of several spectrum licence products. 

The National Audit Office (NAO) has published a report on HMRC’s administration of Scottish income tax, including the final calculation of Scottish revenues for the 2022/23 tax year.

Shingle recycling on the beach between Shoreham and Lancing to help reduce the risk of coastal flooding. Essential maintenance needed following winter storms.

Three members of an organised crime group (OCG) who conspired to smuggle immigrants in a boat from France to the UK were jailed on Friday 17th January.

Gross misconduct proven against a group of Dorset Police officers over offensive WhatsApp messages 

The increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) is now incompatible with IPCC pathways which remain below 1.5°C, a Met Office study finds.

More capacity must be created if the NHS is going to drive down waiting lists.

A statement from the UK alongside other G7 RRM member states (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States) as well as G7 RRM Observer states (Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden).

A sexual predator who raped lone women at knifepoint in Manchester City Centre has been jailed.

In a new report for the Institute of Economic Affairs, Economist Vera Kichanova argues that the UK could and should create new self-governing cities like Hong Kong within its borders, to drive growth and prosperity.  

Now in place at Hackney Downs London Overground station, the roundel, signifies the history and traditions of the local community

The LGA responds to the Public Accounts Committee report on the condition and maintenance of local roads in England.