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New flood maps now show greater detail about how Salisbury reacts to flooding, but not a rise in actual flood risk.

The European Union’s role in promoting economic prosperity, democracy and human rights has benefitted Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said today.

Civil Service increases special leave allocation for special constables.

Discussions covered the UK and Morocco’s political, economic, security and cultural relations.

Victims of rape and sexual assault will be helped by a further £5 million for specialist support services, Justice Minister Wendy Morton MP announced today (18th September) as part of ongoing government efforts to ensure victims get the help they need and restore faith in the justice system.

Unless the Government steps up efforts to manage the transition to automation, entire regions of the UK face being left behind and British businesses could find themselves being uncompetitive, says the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee in a report published today.

Northumbrian Water has been warned by the consumer watchdog it must show a marked improvement after reporting a sharp rise in complaints.

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) yesterday established its Consultative Expert Group on Digital Ethics in Insurance.

The Home Office has deployed staff to migrant camps in Dunkirk.

Work is progressing on buildings that will be home to 2 US Air Force F35 squadrons at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

Ministers write to Education Secretary to ask for clarity on rules for EU students following Brexit.

The Court of Appeal yesterday overturned the High Court’s ruling in September 2018, on the interpretation of a point of law on referendum campaign donations and expenditure. 

£1.5 million for social landlords to work with families.

The Home Office’s flawed reaction to a systemic failure by a private company has had a detrimental impact on the lives of over 50,000 overseas students the Home Office accused of cheating. 

The UK and Australia will today (Wednesday 18 September) agree to begin trade negotiations as soon as possible after the UK leaves the EU on 31 October.

The RLA is encouraging members to make sure they have responded to the Government’s consultation on plans to change the possession process.

Governor's statement on addressing crime in Turks & Caicos Islands delivered during 10 September joint press conference.

A report from the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee asks Government to do more to support British businesses to innovate.

Environmental forces mobilised to deal with American Signal Crayfish invasion

Essex and Suffolk Water has been warned by the consumer watchdog that it must show a marked improvement after reporting a sharp rise in complaints.

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

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady yesterday commenting on the publication of a BEIS select committee report, which calls on the government to urgently bring together workers and employers to manage the transition to automation.

Ofwat has today published a report on customer satisfaction with Portsmouth Water, Wessex Water and Anglian Water coming out as top performers, following strong results the year before too.

New steps designed to ensure government supply chains are free from offences of slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking.

Investigation into issues at RHCYP and QEUH.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Rare Roman cosmetic sets shown in English Heritage's new History Inspired Makeup Tutorial are on display at Wroxeter Roman City for the first time.

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has published the report on "Cyber Risk for Insurers – Challenges and Opportunities".

Blog posted by: Louisa Bentley, 17 September 2019 – Categories: A great place to work.

Justice Secretary, Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, attended a ceremonial groundbreaking event at the new prison site in Wellingborough yesterday (17 September) to formally celebrate the construction which began earlier this year.

Creating healthy balance sheets for Credit Unions.

A report published yesterday by the Smith Institute, commissioned by Southwark Council has found that direct payments of benefit to landlords contributed most to reductions in rent arrears.

People with lived experience will help shape services.

The housing market has been boosted and many helped into home ownership but a large proportion of those buyers did not require financial help

The Beijing Expo holds a National Day for each country with a garden and pavilion on site, giving each participating country an opportunity to showcase work on sustainability.

An intergenerational dance company that helps young people creatively connect with older generations through dance is amongst a number of groups sharing in 1.3 MILLION of dormant bank account funding (WEDNESDAY 18 SEP).

New fund will bolster law enforcement capabilities to tackle child sexual exploitation and abuse.

CBI have responded to the House of Commons BEIS Select Committee report on automation and the future of work.

Hafren Dyfrdwy has been warned by the consumer watchdog that it must show a marked improvement after reporting a sharp rise in complaints.

FSA funded research has found that exercise and sleep deprivation can put people with a peanut allergy at greater risk of a reaction.

Blog posted by: Allan Thomson – PPM Product Ambassador, AXELOS, 17 September 2019.

Ordnance Survey (OS) is asking the nation out on a date on Sunday 29 September – and would love you to bring a friend or family member along with them too.

Sir Tony Redmond has called for views for his independent review into the quality and effectiveness of the audit of local authorities.

Reduction in fillings and teeth extraction.

In July 2019, the monthly number of applications for international protection lodged in the 30 EU+ countries (EU Member States plus Norway & Switzerland) reached approximately 62,900, a 26% increase compared to June. This is slightly higher than in July 2018 (59,375) and roughly the same as in July 2017 (62,040).

CQC is inviting innovators and services to explore how they can work with the regulator as they develop new approaches to care.

NHS Health Scotland believes everyone should have a safe, secure and affordable home. 

Small businesses can apply for loans of up to £1 million to help them turn their game-changing ideas into new products, processes or services.

The Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan yesterday told Assembly Members, however we define or try to justify smacking, it is still hitting a child - and we want that to stop. 

SBRI-supported Bug Farm Foods has developed VEXo, a protein that can be used like minced meat, at its new R&D facility in St David’s.

President Jean-Claude Juncker and Prime Minister Johnson had a working lunch yesterday in Luxembourg. The aim of the meeting was to take stock of the ongoing technical talks between the EU and the UK and to discuss the next steps.

Sir David Attenborough has agreed to be the ambassador for the landmark review to support biodiversity and the economy.

In a new briefing, Open Europe outlines the questions about the future UK-EU security relationship that both sides will have to consider ahead of the next phase of Brexit negotiations.

Delivered by Minister for Industry and Business Nadhim Zahawi in Vienna, 16 September 2019.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany.

The Council has adopted a decision amending the Council Common Position of 8 December 2008 on the control of arms exports, as well as a revised user's guide.  It also adopted conclusions on the review of the Common Position.

‘Without rapid action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and efforts to safeguard the environment we risk causing irreversible damage to the planet. This is already having a significant and growing impact on human health, with impacts set to become more severe’ – Our Planet, Our Health

Support will target five Neglected Tropical Diseases in 25 of the world’s poorest countries which cause disability and death.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Karen Pierce, UK Permanent Representative at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on Yemen

Urgent steps must be taken by Government to reform the Apprenticeship Levy in England, so firms can offer more of the high-quality training they need to succeed.  That’s according to a new CBI report, ‘Learning on the job: Improving the Apprenticeship Levy.’

Calls to the Patients Association’s national helpline are now free of charge in the UK.

CQC are showing support for today’s very first World Patient Safety Day.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has fined a Swansea double-glazing company £150,000 for making nuisance calls.

Heidi Livingstone, senior public involvement adviser within NICE's Public Involvement Programme, reflects on the partnership with CMAC, 17 September 2019​.

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

The attacks on oil installations in Saudi Arabia are grim reminders of Iran’s challenge to the entire Middle East, and the paucity of US options.

The Scottish Prison Service faces profound challenges in continuing to run Scotland's overcrowded  prisons safely and effectively. 

The Perry Barr and Witton flood scheme will bring benefits for people and wildlife.

The EC has opened separate in-depth investigations to assess whether “excess profit” tax rulings granted by Belgium to 39 multinational companies gave those companies an unfair advantage over their competitors, in breach of EU State aid rules.

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation found no evidence North Wales Police officers may have caused or contributed to Paul Wilson’s death. 

Under plans confirmed by ministers today (17 September 2019), the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme will be extended to 14 new offences.

Removals of ancient woodlands for HS2 stopped during independent review unless they are absolutely necessary to avoid major cost and schedule impacts.

Independent review to consider implementation of Curriculum for Excellence between S4 and S6.

The Local Government Association’s Housing spokesman, Cllr David Renard, responds to a report by Homes for Later Living, which claims poor housing is set to contribute to almost one million more older people suffering falls-related injuries.

Labour’s policy of bringing public services back into government hands by default would be a mistake, argues a new report from the Institute for Government. But senior politicians have consistently overstated how much money is saved by outsourcing services. 

To assist with preparations for the UK's exit from the EU, the FRC is writing to Audit Committee Chairs and Finance Directors setting out some of the generic actions companies should consider in advance of the UK’s exit. 

Liverpool-based supercar manufacturer Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) secures new export wins to Hong Kong and the United States.

A man jailed for ten years for abusing young girls in Rotherham has been handed an additional 45 months in prison for witness intimidation after trolling one of his victims on Facebook and Twitter.

A million text messages will be sent to passport holders who may be affected by new passport validity rules in a no deal Brexit.

The Welsh Government yesterday published an overview of its no deal Brexit action plan.

Citizens Advice has responded to the news that the government is proposing to extend the smart meter rollout deadline to 2024 and the release of the latest cost-benefit analysis of the programme.

The EU has achieved its goals to phase out ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol.  A new EEA report shows that in 2018 the EU again destroyed or exported more ozone-depleting substances than it produced or imported.

Professor Len Shackleton comments on Labour plans

John Swift QC has announced his full independent support team is now in place to conduct the investigation into the FSA’s (and subsequently the FCA’s) implementation and oversight of the Interest Rate Hedging Products (IRHP) Redress Scheme.

A dynamic collection of artists, makers and designers are heading to Derbyshire this weekend as Chatsworth Arts Festival returns for its fifth edition.

Ofgem has given the go-ahead to SSEN’s plan for a 220MW transmission link from Orkney Islands following a consultation, subject to conditions which ensure value for money for all consumers.

The Education Secretary has backed a review which will consider whether students should apply to university after getting their A level results.

Scottish Government delivering sixth social security benefit.

Bus journeys have plummeted by more than 300 million in just five years, falling to their lowest level in over a decade, according to latest figures, as new polling by the Local Government Association shows that the majority of residents want councils to decide how bus services are provided in their local area.

A new report for the Institute for Government has found that public spending is often wasteful, with the government failing to set out clear spending intentions and taking decisions without clear information.

Tipping chemicals left over from his plant nursery business onto gravel ended up in a stream and killing hundreds of fish.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred the case of Miss S to the Crown Court.

Blog posted by: Jan Lever, CEO, Jigsaw PSHE, 16 September 2019).

With this year’s deadline fast approaching, Companies House is urging companies to keep on top of their filing responsibilities.

Liz Truss will meet her counterparts, senior government figures and businesses in each country to ensure trade negotiations can begin rapidly.

Improving sites and facilities to reduce inequalities.

Speech given recently (13 September 2019) by: Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP.

Health Secretary appoints Senior Programme Director.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson met President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Heather Wheeler will discuss strengthening ties with the region, the role of women, climate change and de-mining.

Critical materials (CMs) are key to UK manufacturing, including for the aerospace, automotive, energy and chemical sectors, which rely on materials typically extracted and processed abroad. 

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick speech given yesterday to Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Blog posted by: Julia Gosse BEd, Project, Programme and Portfolio Management consultant and trainer; associate to SPOCE Project Management, 13 September 2019.

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and the Met Office invite applications to attend a town hall meeting focused on UK Climate Resilience in London (venue to be confirmed) on Thursday 3 October 2019.

New technology designed to spot hidden weapons will be used by police officers in London for the first time today.

Understanding more about the future intensity of hourly rainfall and daytime extreme temperatures are two factors vital to the resilience of the UK in a world increasingly impacted by climate change.

UK businesses that produce or trade products that contain F gas or ODSs need to sign up to online system which will maintain current environmental standards.

Call for change to protect public services and population.

The terms of reference setting out the purpose and structure of the independent review have been published today.

Socitm continues to investigate ways of engaging/developing alumni from the leadership academy programme.  

Northern mayors and combined authorities will have greater control over setting local train fares, timetables, and budgets under sweeping new plans set out by the Prime Minister.

New techUK member survey reveals 7 in 10 respondents still believe a no deal exit on 31st October will have a negative impact on their business despite increased...

Local businesses across the UK will receive tailored advice and support on preparing for Brexit on 31 October, as part of a series of nationwide events led by government launching today (Monday 16 September).

The National Infrastructure Commission is looking to address gaps in understanding of the resilience of complex infrastructure systems so that a repeat of this summer’s major service disruptions can be avoided.

UK condemns Houthi drone attack on Aramco in Saudi Arabia.

The Welsh Government has launched a new initiative offering people the chance to gain the skills and qualifications they need to re-write their career.

Blog posted by: Aidan Shilson Thomas, 13 September 2019.

Last week was the third anniversary of President Juncker's 2016 State of the Union announcement to set up a European Solidarity Corps, offering young people the opportunity to take part in a wide range of solidarity activities across the EU.

Reuben Binns, our Research Fellow in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Andrew Paterson, Principal Technology Adviser, discuss new security risks associated with AI, whereby the personal data of the people who the system was trained on might be revealed by the system itself.

As a maritime nation, the sea has been an integral part of our heritage. But with climate change increasingly impacting the UK, the Met Office’s Tom Butcher examines how maritime industries will cope.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP is pledging £100,000 to tackle online antisemitism.

Information cards provide support for new patients.

The Prime Minister delivered the following speech recently (13 September 2019) at Convention of the North.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is stepping up its efforts to ensure firms are aware of what they need to do to prepare for the potential of a no-deal Brexit. Firms who have not prepared appropriately may risk an impact on their business. 

Six people have been arrested in Kent and London as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into a suspected organised crime group conspiring to smuggle migrants across the Channel in lorries and small boats.

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan recently (14 September 2019) announced the locations that will benefit from a £95 million heritage boost for high streets in 69 towns across the country.

Consultation responses on the marketing of junk foods.

Thousands of people from across the world have travelled to Birmingham this summer to celebrate local icons and global superstars, Black Sabbath.

Here's your one-stop shop for weather and climate information

Scottish families facing fall in income.  

Innovations ranging from fatigue monitoring, specialised lighting and artificial intelligence to be tested

Salmon and trout can now ascend Trews Weir in Exeter after the water level of the River Exe dropped several metres.

Healthcare Business Connect Lancashire (HBCL), in which the Innovation Agency is a partner, recently ran their third SME showcase event with local members of the U3A in Ulverston. 

Building a successful Study Programme can be the key to a learner’s success and future employment prospects.

Some water companies need to do much more to protect customers from disruption to their water supply and reduce leakage, according to the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater).

Our investigation following a non-fatal police shooting in Birmingham concluded that the actions of West Midlands officers were reasonable and proportionate.

The three attempted to escape the bailiff by running away and hiding in bushes before being caught.

Millions of free period products delivered.

368 million Hopper journeys have been made since its launch - with more than 450,000 'Hops' now being made each day

New SORP-making process announced following governance review.

Three officers who initially investigated the murder of three-year-old Riley Siswick in Huddersfield will face allegations they committed gross misconduct.

The court found that negligence and a lack of maintenance was to blame for the pollution of a Northamptonshire brook.

The Centre for Data Ethics & Innovation (CDEI) has published its first series of snapshot papers on three emerging AI applications. These briefing papers seek to clarify the opportunities and ethical challenges presented by:

CyberFirst bursary students shown the varied career opportunities within the cyber security community.

The Prime Minister has announced a two year post-study work visa for international students who graduate from UK universities.

If you could hear your health data, what would it sound like?

Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Hannah Blythyn visited Haverfordwest last week to see how a long-derelict building and a former hotel have been brought back into use thanks to Welsh Government funding.

On Friday 13 September, the Metropolitan Police Service issued a statement on its decision not to further investigate Leave.EU. 

The spokespersons of the High Representative, France, Germany and the United Kingdom have made a statement on the JCPoA.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the London Grid for Learning (LGfL) recently undertook a cybersecurity audit of more than 430 UK schools. Alarmingly, this revealed that four out of five schools have suffered a cybersecurity incident and one in five has reported unauthorised access to their computers, networks or servers by pupils.

The National Infrastructure Commission is looking to address gaps in understanding of the resilience of complex infrastructure systems so that a repeat of this summer’s major service disruptions can be avoided.

UKRN publishes a report into Infrastructure Data Sharing, with a series of short and long-term recommendations for key decision-makers.

People booking hotels online can now do so with more confidence following a CMA probe of the sector.

The Environment Agency is set to launch a review of permitted waste sites within the bio-waste sector, which includes composting, anaerobic digestion and mechanical biological treatment.

At what age is it safe for infants to start eating pureed and finger foods in addition to breastmilk or formula? We have just completed a comprehensive evaluation of the scientific evidence on this topic, covering infant health, nutritional needs and development.

Trustee failed to adequately demonstrate how charitable funds raised had been spent

techUK has surveyed its members to gather their views on a no deal exit on October 31 2019, how prepared our members are for no deal on this date and what steps they would like to see the Government take to support them through a no deal outcome. 

The UK makes a significant contribution to social science research on climate change but important research gaps remain, a comprehensive review of UK-funded research in this area finds.

Gypsies and Travellers who have stopped travelling due to old age, ill-health, educational needs or being disabled are being forgotten in planning authorities’ site allocation processes following changes to policy definitions.

The European Union's banking, insurance, pensions & securities sectors continue to face a range of risks, the latest report on "Risks and Vulnerabilities in the EU Financial System" published yesterday by the Joint Committee of the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) shows.

A head teacher and her father have been found guilty of running an unregistered school in south London, in only the second prosecution of its kind.

techUK is proud to announce the strategic partnership with the Digital Policing Portfolio.

Jail is the first milestone in the Prime Minister’s pledge for 10,000 new prison places.

Report estimates that around two-thirds of people living with hepatitis C may not realise they have the virus, with PHE urging those at risk to get tested.

The EU has invested an additional €17.6 million to support over 8,500 newly selected African students and staff to participate in Erasmus+ in 2019. This increase in Erasmus+ funding is one more step towards the commitment announced by President Jean-Claude Juncker in his State of the Union speech in September 2018 to have supported 35,000 African students and researchers by 2020.

FDA General Secretary Dave Penman has called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to put an end to worrying speculation and categorically confirm that no civil servant will be asked to “breach their obligation under the civil service code”.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has made progress, but is behind schedule with its ambitious plan to reform the justice system to make it simpler and cheaper to run. It faces a significant challenge to deliver it on time and to budget, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).

Sale conducted well but we are unconvinced that it represents the best value for the taxpayer in the long term.

In this week's briefing, Open Europe's Anthony Egan looks at whether a Northern Ireland-only backstop could be the answer to the Prime Minister's Brexit conundrum.

Following the change of government in June 2019, the Republic of Moldova has moved resolutely with the implementation of key reforms to address the deterioration of democratic standards and the rule of law, in order to allow citizens to fully benefit from the EU-Moldova Association Agreement.

Last month the independent Scottish Medicines Consortium assessed that Vertex’s ‘justification of the treatment’s [Orkambi and Symkevi] costs in relation to its health benefits was not sufficient’: meaning the company was charging an unreasonably high price for its product.

APCC Victims Leads Sophie Linden, London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime & Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner responded to Violence against Women and Girls crimes (VAWG) Report released yesterday by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) 

The Public Accounts committee report says there has been excessive secrecy over the use of consultants by government, with confusion over how much is actually spent.

Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers launches public survey as part of planned review of general licences to manage wild birds in England.

We know that you want the best for your students, and improving their achievement rates is not only great for your school, it also boosts your students’ confidence and will support their future education and careers. We’ve complied our top tips for improving achievement rates during delivery of our V Certs and other NCFE qualifications and ahead of the assessment.

Latest published statistics show that there were almost 300,000 applications to the scheme in the month of August.

The Mission and Agile Nanosatellite for Terrestrial Imagery Services (MANTIS) satellite, which received funding recently (11 September 2019) will help energy and mining businesses identify new resources.

Tenants face higher rents as a result of the demand for private rented housing outstripping supply according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Blog posted by: Rafal Stanczak – Test Manager/Agile Coach, Orbium (part of Accenture Wealth Management), 12 September 2019.

Ofsted's Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, summarises our findings so far on managing behaviour in schools and our future projects (11 September 2019).

Increased funding for maritime careers and the welfare of seafarers.

Scottish Government discussions secure medicines for NHS Scotland.

With the recent Functional Skills reform, it's rare to go a day without hearing about maths and English within education sector news.

New financial model for colleges to signal when financial health in decline.

Blog posted by: Frazer Smith, 12 September 2019 – Categories: A great place to work, Civil Service Leaders, More digital.

NHS Digital partners with University of Oxford, Microsoft and IBM for pioneering new venture.

Blog posted by: Dr Bina Rawal, 12 September 2019.

September 2019 update for users of Welsh statistics on our latest developments, consultations and plans.

Call to regulate video game ‘loot boxes’ under gambling law and ban their sale to children among measures needed to protect players, say MPs. ‘Lack of honesty and transparency’ reported among representatives of some games and social media companies in giving evidence.

Includes projects aimed at improving online housing repairs services and making websites for planning applications easier to use.

Call for Views published on the UK's proposed approach to cyber security certification following the UK’s departure from the EU