Welcome to WiredGov Plus

WiredGov Plus provides a weekly roundup of news from the UK Government and Public Sector. To save your time, we research & validate the links to websites / documents and selectively add additional background links as appropriate.

Editor’s choice of ICT items of note:

‘My stalker has been held to account. He hasn’t gotten away with it’: Prosecutors stay ahead of stalkers in a digital age as a victim shares her story.

Charities given new flexibility to contact supporters under data law change

AI export controls are not the best bargaining chip

Defence AI Beyond the Headlines

Secretary of State Delivers Major AI and Sovereignty Speech at RUSI

Britain must secure greater control and leverage over AI to protect our national security in fractured world

UK backs company building breakthrough AI that can discover new knowledge

Final storage and access technologies guidance published

techUK’s Market Access Brief: International Opportunities for tech companies

Global Tech & Trade Policy Update
 

Tackling Serious and Organised Crime Together – Your Invitation to CTSI Conference, Glasgow, 10 June

Serious organised crime is one of the most significant threats facing UK high streets today. Counterfeit goods, illicit tobacco, illegal money lending, and fraudulent trading operations are putting consumers at risk and actively undermining legitimate businesses. Tackling it effectively means getting the right people in the same room.

That is exactly what Day 2 of the CTSI Annual Conference 2026 is designed to do. If you work across law enforcement, policy, or regulation and serious organised crime is part of your world, this is a day you will not want to miss.

The full CTSI Annual Conference takes place 9 -11 June 2026 in Glasgow.

Learn More: CTSI Conference 2026

Or contact us directly at conferencesales@tsi.org.uk
 
Editor’s choice of Health, Social Care & Homelessness related items of note:

1,000 NHS staff call Martha’s Rule helplines in first 18 months

All of government must take responsibility to break the cycle of homelessness

Government funds ambulances after arson attack

First NICE recommended treatment for uncontrolled generalised myasthenia gravis

Key changes to how supported housing regulations will be implemented

Hospital patients can now check appointments in the NHS App

Why growing sweetcorn may be the secret to a successful Day Service

Health Secretary gives address on NHS performance

Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law

Transforming NHS infrastructure through NHS England partnership

Knife attack might not have happened if mental health care had been better
 
Editor’s choice of Business / Commercial items of note:

Joint letter to Minister on Trade Union proposals in the Employment Rights Act

Retail conditions darken in April – CBI Distributive Trades Survey

£1 million Community Partnership Fund to boost community and voluntary groups in Northern Ireland

The King's Fund's reaction to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill achieving Royal Assent

King's Fund - What does climate change mean for the future of public services?

CBI responds to removal of US Scotch Whisky tariffs
 
Editor’s choice of Policy & General items of note:

Looked After Children Statistics: 2024-25

Community Payback Orders – Unpaid work or Other Activity Requirements – February 2026

We must step up efforts together to safeguard international waterways from disruption: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Norway can teach the UK about energy security – but the lesson is not more North Sea drilling

Update: Sale of Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited (and associated companies)

Mainly warm and sunny weather this week, before turning more unsettled ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend

Committee for Communities calls for urgent action to stabilise homelessness services
 
SME Supplier Locator update...

With the officially stated target and ongoing drive for SME’s to receive £1 of every £3 spent on government contracts, UK public sector spend with SME’s is continually on the increase.

Against this ambitious backdrop, the WiredGov Supplier Locator service has been developed specifically to embrace the SME Agenda and provide the ideal platform for SME’s to promote their services, solutions, accreditation and success stories directly to our ever increasing audience across all government and public sector verticals and Tier 1 suppliers.

Recent arrivals to the SME Supplier Locator service include:

Click here to find out more.

Touchstone Partners Limited
 
Please choose from the links below to view individual sections of interest:
CTSI

CTSI represents trading standards professionals working in the UK and overseas - in local authorities, business and consumer sectors and central government.
 

Shut the Dodgy Shops
CTSI, in partnership with the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, have published a report on the proliferation on "dodgy shops" on UK high streets.

Tobacco & Vapes Act Becomes Law
CTSI has welcomed the Tobacco and Vapes Act receiving Royal Assent, marking a landmark moment in protecting public health across the United Kingdom.

Consumers warned to avoid the ‘Toxic Glow-Up’ this festival season
As festival season approaches, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is urging consumers to take extra care when buying neon makeup and face/body paints. Bright colours and bold looks may be part of the fun, but unsafe cosmetics are never worth the risk.


Cost of living pressures and soaring prices expose gaps in bulk fuel checks
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) welcomes the government’s announcement this week of a £53 million support package for households affected by rising heating oil costs, having long called for targeted support for consumers who rely on heating oil.


The Approved Code Scheme
The Approved Code Scheme is the UK’s only sector-wide code framework audited by Chartered Trading Standards Practitioners. Businesses that follow an Approved Code of Practice commit to higher standards of service and must offer free dispute resolution if something goes wrong.