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Wiltshire Council’s Flexible Approach to Housing
Whilst the main focus of local government finance is on adults and childrens services, cost pressures on temporary accommodation are also hitting our District and
Rishi Sunak Stands by 2050 Net Zero Target
This week, Rishi Sunak has made headlines for changing a number of key government policies relating to the environment. One of the biggest policy shifts
Environment Agency Secures Bid for Zero Emission Workboats on Thames
Electric workboats are poised for deployment along the Thames River, marking a significant milestone in the creation of the world’s largest network of workboats with zero emissions. The Environment Agency is set to make a crucial contribution to curbing carbon emissions from commercial workboats within the United Kingdom.
Rishi Sunak Considers Green Policy Shift
Rishi Sunak is weighing up a huge policy shift relating to some of his green policies in a move that will split opinion across the country. According to sources in the media, Sunak is considering changes that include delaying the looming ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars and pulling back on the abolishment of gas boilers.
Court Clash Over Move to Block Scotland’s Gender Reforms
Court challenge opens in Edinburgh after UK government blocked a bill making it easier for trans people to change their legal sex. It is broadly
Double Doctors’ Strike Begins
Consultants and junior doctors in England are staging their first joint strike in the history of the NHS. Consultants walked out this morning and will be joined by junior doctors on Wednesday morning. The British Medical Association-organised strike by consultants will last two days, while the one by junior doctors is scheduled for three.
Emergency care will be covered throughout, but NHS bosses said patients are still at risk.
Eco-friendly Lightbulbs Cause Controversy in Flamborough
Plans to replace traditional lighthouse bulbs at Flamborough with more eco-friendly versions have been criticised as being ‘harder to see’ which could lead to shipwrecks.
NHS Officials Warn Against Disruption Ahead of New Round of Strikes
This week, millions of NHS workers will strike once again as pay disputes between workers and the government rumbles on. On Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th of September, NHS consultants will be taking industrial action while from Wednesday to Friday, junior doctors will also be on strike.
Long-term Sickness Work Absences Pose Fiscal Threat to UK
According to a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) for its Commission on Health and Prosperity, long-term sickness has become a “serious fiscal threat” to the UK due to absences from work. The report argues that action is needed to reform health and social care and that there is the chance to deliver a once-in-a-generation NHS reform to restrain killer costs and end second-rate care.
Government to Delay Ban on Conversion Therapy
Rishi Sunak is set to delay plans to ban conversion therapy in the UK following discussions around how the legislation would be worded have been left unresolved. The decision comes just a few months after ministers promised that a bill would be published to solve the issue in November.
Derbyshire County Council Suspends Non-Essential Spending
Derbyshire County Council has announced that it will be stopping all non-essential spending due to a £46m budget gap. The council’s cabinet will discuss measures
Housing and Homelessness: Decarbonising the Built Environment
Curia’s Levelling Up Commission recently conducted an inquiry on housing and homelessness. The inquiry was split into three panels, with part one focusing exclusively on the UK’s planned transition to green energy.
Do It London: Sexual Health Week
Do It London, a campaign led by the London HIV Prevention Programme (LHPP) is marking this year’s Sexual Health Week (11-17 September) by teaming up
NHS Warns of Pressures Despite £200m Extra Funding
The Government has announced an extra £200m worth of funding to boost NHS resilience over winter. However, NHS leaders and trusts are warning that unless ministers focus on ending industrial action, the healthcare system will come under further pressure.
Government Plan to Remove Homebuilding Pollution Rules Fails
he Government’s plans to weaken legislation surrounding river pollution have been defeated in the House of Lords by a Labour-led rebellion. As the bill was introduced within the levelling up and regeneration bill by the Conservatives at such a late stage, it will not return to the Commons.
LGA statement on Voter ID reports
In light of recent data highlighting some concerns around the use of voter ID at elections, the Local Government Association has responded in reference to
Labour to Vote Against Plans to Scrap Nutrient Neutral Laws
Last week, Rishi Sunak announced that the government is planning on scrapping EU-era water pollution regulations for new housing developments in the UK. As things stand, building new homes near waterways is problematic in the UK due to the fact developers must prove that their projects are “nutrient neutral”.
Levelling Up: Social Mobility Tougher than in Last 50 years
A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) shows that social mobility is now tougher than in the last 50 years, with those in the North disproportionately impacted.
Parental income and wealth is of even more importance today in determining someone’s income across their lifetime. This poses serious questions for the Government’s levelling up agenda.
London Councillors Call for Smokefree Pavement Seating
Councillors in London have asked the Government to introduce national smokefree conditions for pavement seating outside pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Government Launches Suicide Prevention Strategy
Yesterday, the Government launched its suicide prevention strategy for England which sets out a 5-year plan to prevent suicide and self harm. The Government is hoping to reduce suicide rates within 2.5 years of implementation.
Disposable Vapes to be Banned
Amid fears that children are increasingly using vapes and could become addicted, ministers are set to ban single-use vapes. The move could come as early as next week as the health department has decided that the products, which often come in colourful packaging and fruity flavours, are overwhelmingly aimed at people under the age of 18.
BMW to Build Next-Generation Mini in Oxford
BMW will announce plans to build its next-generation electric Mini in Oxford after securing a Government funding package. The German-headquartered manufacturer’s multi-million-pound investment to transform its existing plant will secure 4,000 high-quality jobs, says the Government.
The £600m investment by the German carmaker at the site in Cowley will be backed by about £75m of taxpayer funds. The Government is hoping that this will safeguard the historic plant and delivering a vote of confidence in the UK’s auto industry.
Eli Lilly’s Diabetes Drug Mounjaro Approved
Eli Lilly’s diabetes drug Mounjaro has gained the backing of Britain’s healthcare cost-effectiveness watchdog, which said it would be a good option for patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said in draft final guidance that it estimates some 180,000 people could benefit from the new treatment.
Government to be Reported to UN over Strike Act
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) is to report the UK Government to the UN workers’ rights watchdog over the Strike Act. This law governing industrial action enable minimum service levels to be set in key sectors; if these workers refuse to work, they could face being sacked.
This announcement comes as further NHS strikes are planned for the next few weeks.
Leicester City Council: Leading Net Zero Strategies
At a time when you cannot watch the news without seeing a weather-related catastrophe, it’s a paradox that the mood music in government is pointing
Zero Emission Buses to Connect Communities
he Department for Transport has announced today that it will provide funding to help decarbonise public transport and invest in innovation to ensure infrastructure is low-carbon and resilient.
Towns and villages in rural areas across England will benefit from new zero emission buses.
No New Contracts for Offshore Wind Projects
The Government is being criticised as its latest subsidy auction aimed at supporting new renewable projects awarded no contracts for offshore wind projects. RenewableUK, the trade associaion for the renewable energy industry, is calling for urgent action to restore investor confidence.
Horizon: UK rejoins EU science research scheme
The government has announced that the United Kingdom is set to rejoin the EU’s leading science research scheme, Horizon. The country hasn’t been part of the scheme since officially leaving the EU in 2020, despite originally agreeing upon an associate membership.
Hot Weather Alert: Tips to Protect Those Living with Dementia from dehydration
As temperatures surge, with the heat health warning climbing from yellow to amber, concerns arise over the well-being of individuals living with dementia. Dehydration, a common challenge for those with memory issues, becomes a pressing issue during hot weather. Families and caregivers are urged to take precautions to ensure the safety and hydration of their loved ones.
Calls for a Clean Air Zone in Brighton
A campaign group in Brighton is calling for the introduction of a clean air zone and warns that ‘air pollution kills’ in the midst of
Support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry
The Government has announced it will be introducing a revenue certainty scheme to support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in the UK. The Department of Transport says this will be implemented as part of the Energy Security Bill.
Reforming Disability and Illness Benefit: What is the Government Proposing?
Under plans announced by the Government, individuals with disabilities could be given enhanced support to work from home. Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has said this move would seek to reduce the number of people claiming benefits due to illness.
Birmingham City Council: UK’s Largest Council in Financial Distress
Birmingham City Council, the UK’s largest council has issued a section 114 notice, declaring itself bankrupt as it cannot balance its budget without financial assistance.
Dry Spilling: Data Implies Water Firms Illegally Spilled Sewage
Three major water companies are being accused of illegally discharged sewage hundreds of times last year on days when it was not raining. This practice is known as “dry spilling” and is banned because it can lead to higher concentrations of sewage in waterways.
Gigabit Broadband: Apprentices Training in Cumbria
Following millions of pounds of investment from the Government, the first cohort of Cumbrian apprentices are now in training for telecoms jobs.
Sir Keir Starmer Reshuffles Shadow Cabinet
Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has made changes to his Shadow Cabinet today in a move that has changed the role of deputy Labour leader, Angela Rayner. The beginning of the reshuffle has coincided with parliament returning from summer recess and there had been much speculation in the build-up that Rayner would see a considerable change to her role.
Addressing Rough Sleeping: The Housing and Homelessness Inquiry
Tomorrow, Curia’s Levelling Up commission is holding its third inquiry session based on housing and homelessness. Chaired by the former Shadow Minister for Social Care and Mental Health and Former Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, Paula Sherriff, the Housing and Homelessness Inquiry will take place over a two-hour sitting. The panels will be divided across three sessions.
Councils Call For More County Devolution
Councils are calling on the Government to ‘fast track’ more county devolution deals to kick-start an adult education revolution. Recent figures have shown a decline in almost 200,000 people taking part in adult apprenticeships and education in the last five years.
‘Left-behind’ Places: The Levelling Up Commission’s Housing and Homelessness Inquiry
Next week, Curia’s Levelling Up commission is holding its third inquiry session based on housing and homelessness. Chaired by the former Shadow Minister for Social Care and Mental Health and Former Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, Paula Sherriff, the Housing and Homelessness Inquiry will take place over a two-hour sitting. The panels will be divided across three sessions.
The second session of the inquiry is titled “Improving wellbeing in neighbourhoods experiencing greater deprivation and homelessness”. This panel will look to address regional inequalities within levelling up, with a focus on place-based deprivation and the role of infrastructure in this.
The Big Half Marathon 2023
15,000 runners are set to take to London’s streets this Sunday ahead of the Big Half Marathon. What is the Big Half Marathon? The Big