The recent spending review promised £39 billion for social and affordable housing, an extension to free school meals and the £3 bus fare cap, and a 3 per cent spending increase for the NHS. Since then, the government has published an Infrastructure Strategy and an Industrial Strategy, both promising significant investment.  

In this issue of Government Business, the Passivhaus Trust examines the growing importance of sustainable building practices in the construction sector and Solar Energy UK write about the public sector market for solar and battery storage.  

In Fire Safety, the FPA advocates for technology in planning system reforms and NAFDI write about fire door maintenance in the public sector.  

The Legionella Control Association discusses Legionella control in buildings and we've got an article looking at the importance of cleaning to maintain health and safety.  

In Conferences and Events, the Association of Event Venues discusses the benefits of using academic venues for hosting events and the UK Crowd Management Association highlights good practice for crowd management at public events in light of Martyn's Law. We've also got an in-depth article looking at the background and implications of Martyn's Law.  

The British Christmas Tree Growers Association give some pointers on procuring Christmas trees.  

We've also got features looking at government road investment, waste management legislation and frameworks.

Polly Jones, editor

The Procurement Act has recently come into force, aimed at improving and streamlining public sector procurement, while at the same time providing a boost to SMEs. 

With spring just beginning, we look at the Britain in Bloom competition and how communities across the country are brightening up their neighbourhoods. The Property Care Association discusses the best methods for weed control and in our tree care feature, we investigate ash dieback. 

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) sets out some best practice for conferences & events for 2025 and we've got an article looking back at the planning and preparation for this year's New Year's celebrations in London. Meanwhile, APSCo outline best practices for recruitment in the public sector, emphasising strategies to attract and retain top talent in 2025 and the CSA write about the current issues local authorities face when it comes to debt resolution. 

We've also got features on Facilities Management, Fire Safety and Frameworks, as well as some previews to events coming up over the next few months.

Last week's budget promised significant funds allocated to the public sector, particularly for infrastructure, schools and the NHS. In this issue of Government Business, we'll take a look at the promises made in the budget and what that means for local government.

With the Procurement Act delayed, we'll investigate what to expect when it does come into force next year.

The Modular and Portable Build Association will demonstrate how modular building is being used across the public sector and how it can be utilised as a solution to plug infrastructure gaps.

The Fire Industry Association will give a comprehensive guide to understanding fire safety legislation in the UK and the Property Care Association will look at the issue of damp and mould in housing.

We've also got an article highlighting Leeds as an event venue, as well as previews to some of the shows that are coming up over the next few months.

Polly Jones, editor

Labour are back in power after 14 years. Keir Starmer has entered Number 10 with a long to-do list, which includes but is not limited to the cost-of-living crisis, immigration, the NHS backlog, housing and a lack of faith in politics.

The Conservatives suffered their worst defeat in their parliamentary history, losing 251 seats, but still leaving them the official opposition. The Liberal Democrats came in third winning 71 seats. While Reform UK polled third when looking at the actual number of votes, this only translated into five seats – one more than the Green Party and Plaid Cymru. The SNP, Sinn Féin and Independents all returned more MPs, despite the SNP losing the majority of their seats.

This issue of Government Business covers several topics that will be on the agenda of the new government. We investigate simplifying recycling as well as some innovative energy projects that are reducing the carbon emissions of public buildings.

With the Euros almost over and the Olympics and Paralympics coming up, we look at how local and central government can reduce the barriers for people to be more active. The Association of Play Industries discusses the value of playgrounds and the Arboricultural Association will look at the importance of trees and tree care.

There’s features from the British Pest Control Association, the British Sign and Graphics Association and the International Stress Management Association. The British Institute of Cleaning Science will discuss the importance of training in cleaning and the Water Hygiene Centre will give an explainer on Legionella.

This issue also includes the relaunch of Government Technology (p.71), with features from TechUK, Socitm and Crown Commercial Service.