The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched its Sector Support programme for  2024/25.
The programme aims to provide councils with new and enhanced tools and support to harness opportunities, drive improvement across all regions and deliver critical services to communities.
The support offer is funded by the UK Government and builds on the current five key themes of governance, leadership, finance, workforce and transformation, directly informed by engagement with local government.

A partnership between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Football association is supporting low-income families with before-school, after-school and holiday activities for around 2,700 children each week.
The Extra Time programme was launched by the First Minister with a £2million Scottish Government investment last year and aims to tackle poverty by delivering accessible and affordable activity clubs for children from low-income families.

A record £714 million has been invested by the government into the broadband rollout so far this year.

The Scottish Government has announced that Climate Engagement Fund has reopened for bids.
Organisations, such as community, cultural and education groups, will be able to apply for support from a fund aimed at engaging people in tackling the climate emergency.
The £250,000 Fund will be used to support activities like climate festivals, skills workshops, art exhibitions and youth development programmes that are aimed at increasing people’s understanding of climate change and encouraging climate action.

Local authorities have announced which roads are set to benefit from the first tranche of relocated HS2 funding.
Councils have already been paid £150 million to get on with the work and deliver improvements, with another £150 million following in this financial year. Some roads have already seen improvements.
As a condition of the funding, local authorities are required to publish a two-year plan detailing exactly which local roads will benefit.

Rural towns and villages in the Lake District are the first to receive the improved 4G mobile coverage in hard-to-reach areas that the government has rolled out.

Women and girls in Hackney Central and Dalston were given help and advice on how to stay safe as part of a partnership day of action yesterday.

Cyclists will be able to cross Hammersmith Bridge safely, with £3 million of investment from the government to resurface the bridge and provide a new cycle lane.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said disabled passengers will be given easier access to buses throughout the UK due to a boost in funding.

Residents of Sunderland are set to benefit from a new city centre housing development.