New agency to tackle future pandemic threats
A new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been launched to prevent and respond to external threats to the country’s health – such as from infectious diseases like COVID-19.
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Ban on unregulated homes for under-16s
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson MP has announced that a ban on placing vulnerable children under the age of 16 in unregulated accommodation will come into force in September.
FE special needs system ‘requires shake-up’
The ‘high needs’ system for further education is not working and requires a radical shake-up, council and college leaders have said in a new report.
Vaccination drive ‘too big for NHS to do alone’ – LGA
Millions more people could safely and swiftly be protected against coronavirus if councils are able to act shoulder-to-shoulder with the NHS in the distribution of vaccines, the LGA has said.
MPs call for 10-year social care plan
A cross-party committee of MPs has called on ministers to publish a 10-year plan for social care, with detailed costings.
Councils spearheading climate change effort
Reducing food waste, installing electric vehicle charge points and protecting communities against flooding are among the many ways councils are leading the national response to climate change.
New funding to tackle drugs crime
An extra £80 million is to be invested in drug treatment services across England to give more support to offenders with drink and drug addictions, as part of an overall £148 million package to cut crime and protect people from the menace of illegal drugs.
Central role for employers in FE reforms
Employers will have a greater say in the development of skills training as part of reforms to post-16 technical education set out in a new White Paper, ‘Skills for jobs’.
Guidance for children in care
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has urged councils to scrutinise services for children in care.
Funding boost for homelessness
Extra funding has been announced by the Chancellor in the Spending Review to help councils support people at risk of homelessness and rough sleeping during COVID-19.