Councils given £50,000 each to develop new design codes

Housing Minister Christopher Pincher has announced that a new national design code is being tested across 14 areas in England.

@Sainsburys

The single-use carrier bag charge has increased from 5p to 10p and been extended to all businesses in England.

Inefficiencies in provision of grants in local government highlighted

A new report has warned that councils, businesses and communities could be losing out on vital financial support from central government.

Everyone with symptoms now eligible for coronavirus tests

The government has said that anyone with symptoms of coronavirus is now eligible to book a test, ahead of the rollout of the test and trace service.

Hub to cut back government spending on external staff

The new Government Consulting Hub has been launched to boost internal expertise across government, saving the taxpayer money.

Rise in child poverty shows levelling up challenge

The End Child Poverty Coalition has revealed that, even before the pandemic, the majority of children are growing up in poverty in some parts of the UK.

New powers over local government audit

Further measures have been announced to help ensure taxpayers get value for money by improving the transparency of local government audit.

New award to recognise excellence in adult social care workforce

Professor Deborah Sturdy has outlined her commitment to recognise the outstanding contribution made by social care workers and nurses.

Calls for early years to be at heart of education recovery plan

The majority of parents of pre-school children are worried about the impact on their child’s overall development or well-being during the pandemic.

Levelling up agenda must not ‘short change’ regions

The Public Services Committee has warned that ‘left behind’ places will be ‘short-changed’ if ‘levelling up’ plans are not better targeted.

Better high streets part of levelling up plan

Plans for better high streets, stronger schools and more jobs outside of London will be unveiled by the government as part of its plan to level up the UK.

Government lacks plan for ‘huge’ EV transition challenge

MPs have warned the government it faces a ‘huge challenge’ to get new car registrations to 100 per cent zero-emission from 2035.

Government lacked contingency plans for pandemic

The UK was not as prepared for the pandemic as it could have been, and government lacked detailed contingency plans to manage the unfolding situation.

Third of councils expect to be forced to close leisure centres

One in three district councils expect to be forced to close gyms and swimming pools due to the devastating financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Summer schools will reach just eight per cent of pupils

Labour analysis reveals that the government’s summer schools will reach just eight per cent of pupils across England.

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Event Diary

Join the digital, data and technology community at DigiGov Expo – where public sector experts and innovators gain knowledge to transform government services.

The Workplace Event 2024

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting workplace cultures, and an increased focus on employee well-being, The Workplace Event (TWE) 2024 emerges as a beacon of insight, innovation, and inspiration. Taking place from April 30 - May 2 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, TWE  brings together over 5,000 workplace and facilities management professionals.