The Scottish Government has announced £3 million of funding for critical infrastructure projects that are designed help boost employment, empower communities and ensure a sustainable future for Scotland's island communities.
Ten projects have been awarded a share of the Scottish Government’s £3 million 2024/25 Islands Programme Fund. This includes funding to support the ongoing rebuild of The Fair Isle Bird Observatory, due to open in Spring 2025, and the construction of two new airfield terminal buildings on Eday and Westray in the Orkney islands.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for an extension to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is due to run out in March 2025.
The fund was established as a replacement for EU regional funding and councils say an extra 12 months is needed to secure support for communities and local businesses.
The LGA says the approaching deadline without certainty of an extension is starting to impact on delivery of valued locally-led schemes including on regenerating high streets, skills training and creating jobs.

To mark Challenge Poverty Week, the Scottish government has announced the introduction of the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund.

Up to 500 manufacturing jobs are set to be supported as bus operator Go Ahead announces a £500 million investment to decarbonise its fleet.

The Mayor of London has launched a two-year pilot scheme aimed at improving high streets and public spaces in the city.
Ten built environment experts have been appointed to support the capital’s boroughs to improve the quality of high streets and public spaces.

London Councils has launched a new sustainable neighbourhood model to showcase the benefits of a circular economy.
The model illustrates how circular economy principles can create more sustainable and resilient communities in London, while at the same time, highlighting real-life examples that are already making a positive impact by reducing consumption emissions and promoting sustainability in the capital.

The government has announced that new UK-created therapies for cancer will be trialled in the UK.

The newly appointed minister for intergovernmental relations, Pat McFadden has made his first official visit to Northern Ireland.
The trip comes after the government committed to resetting and strengthening the relationship between Westminster and the devolved governments of the UK.
McFadden, alongside Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn, met with resetting and strengthening the relationship between Westminster and the devolved governments of the UK.

Responding to the Goverment's consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Local Government Association (LGA) has said that councils have a key part to play to improve housebuilding outcomes, but must be given the tools and resources needed to do so.
The LGA has highlighted the essential need to deliver more homes for social rent and homes which are genuinely affordable.

The projects to benefit from funding support the aims of the Child Poverty Strategy which outlines how the government will work with partners and organisations to tackle the issue.