Councils in England have warned that spending on infrastructure including roads and schools could decline in the coming years if government reforms to developer contributions are implemented.
A joint report by Pragmatix Advisory and the County Councils Network (CCN) argues that the forthcoming Infrastructure Levy, set to replace the existing developer contributions system, could be a ‘jack of all trades’, with not much remaining for infrastructure.

A new Brexit deal for Northern Ireland has been announced.

 
The government has launched an online application portal for help with energy payments.
The portal opens up support to those without a direct relationship to an electricity supplier such as those living in park home and care homes. Those eligible will be able to apply via a secure online portal to receive the support as a one-off, non-repayable lump sum under the ‘alternative funding’ route of the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS AF). Those without internet access will be able to use a phone line.

New rules intended to protect residents and raise standards in the housing sector will mean that social housing managers must gain professional qualifications.
The changes mean that around 25,000 managers will now be required to have an appropriate level housing management qualification regulated by OfQual equivalent to a Level 4 or 5 Certificate or Diploma in Housing, or a foundation degree from the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Construction has begun on a government hub in Manchester.
Minister for the Cabinet Office Jeremy Quin broke ground on the Government Property Agency's First Street Hub.
Thousands of civil servants are set to move into the new building from 2025, with 700 roles relocated from London.

Council workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on the lowest pay have been offered a rise of over 9 per cent.
This means around 1.5 million people would get an increase of at least £1,925 from April. Unions are now considering the offer.
The lowest paid staff get a pay rise of 9.42 per cent and council staff on higher pay would see a smaller rise of 3.88 per cent.

The Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero have launched the British Industry Supercharger, which it is said will benefit 300 businesses.

A £20.7 million package has been announced to level up Blyth.
The money will be spent on upgrading poor quality housing, tackling health inequalities, improving access to local jobs and cutting crime.
£18 million will be used to repurpose run-down and empty homes into high-quality affordable housing to rent and convert under-occupied offices into new apartments, as well as making social housing more energy efficient.
Around £1.5 million will fund high-tech training equipment at the Energy Central Campus.

Shingle is set to be recycled on the 4km shingle beach between east Newhaven and Seaford Head in Sussex in order to improve sea defences.
The exercise is carried out twice a year and up to 60,000 cubic metres of shingle is moved back to the centre of the beach.
The shingle beach and buried sea wall help to manage flooding during high tides and storms, with Seaford beach experiencing some of the most powerful waves in Sussex.

The new annual Winter Heating Payment has begun in Scotland.
400,000 people on low incomes are set to receive help with their heating costs.
The first payments are due this week and and more than £20 million will be paid out in February and March.
Those eligible will get a letter to let them know and receive the payment automatically.