Sue Robb of 4Children talks to Julie Laughton and Alison Britton from the Department for Education about the role of childminders in delivering the 30 hours free entitlement.
Government Business 29.03
A level playing field
Among the most technically ambitious of the Government’s planning reforms announced as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill is the new Infrastructure Levy, which on the face of it appears to be a quicker, fairer way of funding new infrastructure and could even be useful in helping Local Authorities to finally get a grip of affordable housing. The current S106 mechanism - based loosely on floor space - is open to interpretation and often sees projects held up by contractural biccering. New proposals base the levy on the gross development value of the finished project, so both the authority and the developer know where they stand from the get-go.
Also open to interpretation is the language used in the Procurement Bill (see page 29). Rees-Mogg says his post-EU procurement revolution will ’free businesses from straightjackets’ but according to law practice Eversheds Sutherland, the Bills approach to the principles of procurement law appears somewhat unclear. Expect big changes to buying, possibly even by the latter half of 2023.
On the road to net zero, this issue takes a look at Clean Air Zones including Oxford CC’s trailblazing ‘ZEZ’ and a retrofit scheme that can help commercial vehicles operate in the zone. Smart City Business summarises fascinating research into smart city lighting projects and how they can be replicated as well as the innovative use of smart tech in UK ports.
We welcome your feedback.
Danny Wright, acting editor
Company Focus
Baseel Group is a global leader in cybersecurity and IT services, committed to safeguarding businesses in an increasingly digital world. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in the UK, Baseel has rapidly expanded its operations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and is soon to establish a presence in the Americas. With a focus on innovation, resilience, and client-centric solutions, Baseel is at the forefront of the industry, ensuring that its clients remain secure against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Event Diary
London Build is the UK's largest and leading construction show. Officially awarded the Best Trade Show in the UK. London Build is co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
EMEX returns to London’s ExCeL on 20 & 21 November 2024. Promising all visitors who come through the doors solutions, innovation and implementation, EMEX prides itself on giving practical answers to challenging issues and it is this ethos that sets it apart from other events in the energy management space.
Open Banking Expo UK & Europe introduces two co-located shows andexpands its exhibition hall for 2024!
Supplier Profiles
Building Forensics ltd added IAQ following the increased public interest in Indoor Air Quality po
At GeoEnergy Design, we're on a mission to disrupt the traditional way heating and cooling ha
Latest Features
With a few months under their belts to set some plans in motion, we take a look at Labour's spending commitments and what have already allocated.
Labour’s manifesto claimed to be fully costed, fully funded and built on a rock of fiscal responsibility, committing to a range of public spending.
Hannah Shimko, managing director of the Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA), sets out why flexibility and personalisation are key elements of employee benefits schemes in the public sector.
