EdTech charity LGfL has launched an enhanced National Free School Meal (FSM) Eligibility Checker to break down the digital and administrative barriers that prevent hundreds of thousands of eligible children from accessing Free School Meals.
Despite being entitled to support, an estimated 250,000 eligible pupils in England are not currently registered.  With 18% of children living in food-insecure households, the need to simplify access to Free School Meals is more urgent than ever.

The University of Cambridge’s mission on AI, ai@cam, has announced six projects for its inaugural Local Government AI Accelerator.
The programme establishes a new model for how universities and government can work together to advance AI innovation in public services.
The Accelerator is funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The government has announced a further £1 million for Jewish communities across England to tackle antisemitism and strengthen community cohesion.
An immediate £500,000 will be given to Barnet Council, as a result of recent antisemitic incidents in the area and the large number of Jewish residents there.
The funding will expand MHCLG’s Common Ground programme to power local efforts to counter antisemitism, support safer communities and respond to rising tensions in those towns and cities where our Jewish communities are most fearful and concerned.

A new package of rights for private renters has come into force.
11 million tenants are set to get new rights and protections.
The measures include a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – ending the practice of evicting tenants without justification which will give renters greater security and help prevent homelessness.
Rent increases will be limited to once a year and upfront rent demands will be just one month's payment. Bidding wars are also banned and tenants can challenge unrealisable rent hikes.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill has received Royal Assent.

The Tobacco and Vapes has been granted Royal Assent, aiming to create a smoke-free generation.
The law will make it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.   
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death, responsible for around 80,000 deaths a year in the UK and a major driver of cancer, heart disease and stroke, placing significant burden on the NHS.

4,000 staff at the Department for Work and Pensions have completed part of training designed to transform how the government supports autistic people and those with learning disabilities.
The Oliver McGowan training was established to ensure that staff working with autistic people and those with learning disabilities have the knowledge and skills to support them safely. The training is named after Oliver McGowan, a young man with autism and a learning disability who died in 2016 after being given antipsychotic medication against his and his family’s wishes.

The government has confirmed it will bring forward further reforms to Right to Buy, the scheme which allows eligible council tenants in England to buy their home at a discount.
Last year the government published its consultation response to overhaul Right to Buy that will support councils to better protect and rebuild depleted housing stock while maintaining a responsible route into homeownership for longstanding tenants.  

The government has published a new strategy, which describes how the Government Science and Engineering (GSE) profession will strengthen capability and leadership across departments.
The Government Science and Engineering profession strategy 2026 will place greater emphasis on how science and engineering capability is developed and sustained across government, with clearer priorities for existing programmes.