9553posts
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Coverage of milestone in delivering leasehold reforms
There has been significant national, regional and trade coverage of the government’s announcement that it has taken the next steps to reform the feudal leasehold system. The government confirmed that it would progress with plans to improve transparency and ensure …
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Shaping the Farmer Collaboration Fund: what we heard
With guidance for the £30 million Farmer Collaboration Fund due to be published in August, and the first round opening on 1 September, we explain how the fund has been designed in partnership with the sector.
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Introducing Farmer Welfare Grant
Through the Farmer Welfare Grant, £1.5 million will be available over 3 years to support targeted projects that strengthen farmers’ personal and business resilience. It will open on 6 August.
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My PRIMA journey: Exploring new markets and building commercialisation skills
Interview with Arera Davies, Innovation Community Officer, British Antarctic Survey Could you share your professional background and tell us briefly about your role? I joined the Innovation Team at British Antarctic Survey in 2024 as the Innovation Community Officer. It’s an exciting role, especially …
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How we’re making sure your child is safe in nursery
Leaving your little one somewhere new is a big moment for any parent. Here we explain what nurseries and childminders must do to keep your child safe, the steps we're taking to strengthen those protections even further, and exactly what …
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From pixels to policy: The potential of geospatial embeddings for MHCLG
Geospatial Foundation Models and their embeddings have emerged as one of the most exciting developments in AI. In this post, the AI Lab in MHCLG introduces the concept of image embeddings and their potential value for a central government department like MHCLG.
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Supply staff savings allow Lime Trust to invest in schools and pupils
Lime Trust made significant savings on supply staffing by using the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) framework agreement – with the money saved being reinvested in its schools and pupils. The multi-academy trust - which comprises four primary and five special …
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Littering, fly-tipping and large-scale illegal dumping: what's the difference?
We’ve all seen it. Greasy fast-food packaging tossed from a car window onto the side of a road. Orange cigarette butts stamped into the pavement. Shiny crisp packets nestled in the grass at your local park. These are all examples of littering which show careless disregard for our shared public places. But what have they got in common with criminal gangs dumping tonnes of industrial waste in a woodland, or mattresses left in a roadside …
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🏠 Leasehold reforms explained: what today's changes could mean for you
If you’re a leaseholder, new measures could mean you receive more information about your service charge, as well as greater protection from unfair, hidden costs. Today, the government has taken the next steps in delivering a fairer leasehold system, resulting …
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What is a Lifelong Guardianship Ceremony and how does it work
Every year, thousands of young people leave the care system in England and begin adult life without the lasting family relationships and support networks that many others take for granted. But many people who are care-experienced have developed enduring bonds, for example, with their foster carers, a teacher or a mentor. There is currently no way of honouring and celebrating those …
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Marine Planning team explore the North Yorkshire Coast to see the benefits of Marine Plan policy
The Marine Planning team is dispersed across England. Bringing colleagues together provides an opportunity to share knowledge and gain a greater understanding of how marine planning benefits local communities, businesses, and wildlife. In June, the team visited the North Yorkshire …
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Publishing OfDIA’s first annual report on digital verification services
On 14 July 2026, OfDIA published its first annual report on the operation of Part 2 of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (the ‘Act’). Part 2 of the Act provides the legal foundation for trusted digital verification …
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Round 5 of the Feasibility Studies Competition now open
Round 5 of the Feasibility Studies competition is now open. The competition offers grant funding for feasibility studies investigating new solutions that will address major on-farm or immediate post farmgate challenges or opportunities.
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Five years on: Remembering the July 2021 Floods
In July 2021, thousands of Londoners watched floodwater enter their homes, businesses and communities with little warning, turning an ordinary summer day into an unforgettable one. Over two separate days, extreme rainfall overwhelmed parts of the capital, causing widespread flash flooding across 24 boroughs. Homes, …
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UK NSC opens consultation on screening for osteoporosis in women
The UK NSC has opened a public consultation on screening for osteoporosis in women.
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Managing wildfire risk: how the Forestry Commission responds
Rob Gazzard, Wildfire and Contingency Planning Advisor at the Forestry Commission, shares the forward planning and training needed to manage wildfire incidents across England.
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Join our Capital Grants 2026 webinar
The 2026 Capital Grants offer is expected to open on 30 July. To help you prepare we're hosting a webinar on 22 July.
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Improving support for people at risk through better data: Introducing the Vulnerabilities Data Standards Alpha
The Vulnerabilities Working Group is seeking feedback on new data standards designed to improve how public services support people at risk.
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More Awaab’s Law protections: “tenants’ health and safety can never be compromised”
MHCLG's announcement that Awaab’s Law is being extended to seven dangerous hazards later this year has been covered in national, regional and trade press. The Express (online) reports the news that 4 million social housing tenants will get new legal …
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Why severe wildfires are becoming more frequent in the UK and how to cope with the health risks
Wildfires are actually common in the UK, although most are typically small and of short duration. Hot, dry weather can dry out vegetation providing fuel for fires and increase the risk of wildfires. Climate change projections suggest we will see conditions more favourable for larger, more severe wildfires.
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GAD's workforce projection tool - helping turn workforce data into decisions
GAD's workforce projection tool turns HR data into a clear, auditable projections, helping public sector organisations identify key skill gaps, model scenarios, and giving senior leaders confidence to answer workforce questions and support business planning.
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Biodiversity Net Gain: Amendments and transitional arrangements published
We are pleased to announce that yesterday we published and laid before parliament regulations which set in motion changes to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for projects requiring planning permission under the Town and Country Planning Act. Read this post to find out more.
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Sherwood Forest’s Major Oak: An ending and a beginning
Karyn Haw, Senior Officer - Nature Recovery Network, East Midlands Area Team Karyn Haw, Senior Officer in Natural England's East Midlands Area Team, reflects on the recent news that Sherwood Forest's iconic Major Oak has died. Drawing on a career …
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Building a more resilient UK: our investment in climate adaptation
Across the UK, we are already seeing its impacts through hotter summers, more intense rainfall, flooding, drought, pressure on water resources, and disruption to services and infrastructure. That’s why today, as part of the Climate and Nature moment, we've announced that the Government is investing up to £30 million to strengthen the evidence base needed for climate …
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🏠 Safer social homes with stronger Awaab’s Law protections – explainer
If you live in social housing, stronger rules mean landlords have to deal with dangerous problems in your home more quickly. From 30 November 2026, new legal protections will come into force, so more types of hazards – such as …
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Measuring public trust in charities: why the research matters
With the findings of this year’s public and trustee research fresh off the press, we sat down with Neal from our Strategic Policy Team, to discuss the purpose behind our research programme, how it’s evolved and the most significant learnings from his time overseeing its delivery.
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Powering 30by30 commitment through volunteering
Today, the Government has published its 30by30 Delivery Plan, backed by funding of up to £37 million a year over the next three years to accelerate practical action for nature. The plan sets out how government, landowners, farmers, businesses and communities will work …
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SFI26 update: 75% of Window 1 funding now allocated
75% of the Window 1 budget for SFI26 has now been allocated, based on applications received so far.
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Family and Group Conferencing for Adults – a key strengths-based practice
Introduction from Sarah McClinton I am delighted to share this blog from Professor Jerry Tew and Nick Sinclair, whose expertise and commitment have made an important contribution to the development of Family and Group Conferencing for Adults. It is particularly …
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From engagement to delivery: supporting responsible AI adoption in councils
The Local AI programme in MHCLG is working with councils and the Local Government Association to support responsible AI adoption in local government. Drawing on insights from recent council drop-in sessions, this blog post shares what we heard and how we’re turning our learnings into practical support for the sector.
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Tackling E. coli infections in piglets: APHA’s role in the ZINCLESS project
Following the removal of zinc oxide at therapeutic levels from pig diets, APHA helps lead ZINCLESS research – uncovering new insights into post-weaning diarrhoea, antimicrobial resistance, and sustainable solutions for healthier piglets.
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Building cyber resilience in the UK one step at a time
The Ministry of Defence have asked all industry partners to achieve Level 0 of the Defence Cyber Certification (DCC) by 31st December 2026, which includes a requirement for obtaining Cyber Essentials for all applicable business-critical systems within scope. The cyber landscape …
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Have your say: Education otherwise than at school -consultation
We're asking for views on how we support children who are educated outside a school or college. We've launched a new consultation on Education Otherwise Than At School, known as EOTAS, as part of our wider plan to improve support …
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What is the impact of climate change and adverse weather on summers in the UK?
Climate change is often talked about in terms of emissions targets and future scenarios, but most people experience it far more directly: through overheated homes, disrupted travel, worsening air quality, rising food costs, and strained health services.
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Wild Again: Restoring England's Wildlife
Wild Again is the UK Government's umbrella campaign coordinating species reintroductions, conservation projects, and habitat restoration across England under one shared identity. The campaign spans the full breadth of nature recovery: large-scale reintroductions of beavers, pine martens and golden eagles; conservation work …
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Coverage of expanded remediation funding
There has been significant national and trade coverage of the government’s announcement of new action to deliver safer homes and ensure leaseholders are not left facing high costs to fix the building safety mistakes made by others. It includes new …
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On board, safety is everyone’s responsibility
For MCA surveyor Pippa Whalley, safety is built on a shared understanding that everyone has a vital role to play.
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Higher Tier Capital Grants: agroforestry and woodland update
From today, you can apply for agroforestry and woodland assessment items through the Higher Tier Capital Grants offer. This means these items will be available to apply for year-round, rather than only through the Capital Grants 2026 offer.
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Secure and scalable checks against the digital verification services register
The Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) is introducing machine-readable technology to the digital verification services register. This will allow businesses and public authorities to check the register securely and at scale. The current register The current digital verification services (DVS) register is a GOV.UK list of …
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What is the School Support Staff Negotiating Body, and what does it mean for schools and staff?
Teaching assistants, school administrators, pastoral support staff, technicians, catering staff – these are the people who keep schools running every day. They support children with special educational needs and disabilities, manage school finances, help pupils who are struggling, and make sure …