Government Business | Business information for local and central government

Research funding aims to cover post-Brexit shortfall

Up to £484 million in research funding to support the R&D sector has been announced by Business Secretary Grant Shapps. The Government says this is in response to the EU’s 'refusal' to finalise UK access to EU programmes Horizon Europe, Euratom and Fusion for Energy following Brexit.

Report highlights lack of foreign investment in rural areas

Research commissioned by the County Councils Network (CCN) showed that the per-capita ratio of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in England’s 36 county areas is just half of that of England’s big cities that have access to devolved powers.
The report Global Britain, Global Counties: Attracting Foreign Direct Investment reveals that despite success in attracting investment over the last four years, local leaders are ambitious to go further.

Tackling homelessness with data

Homelessness has been a challenge for local authorities for a long time, the ‘How can data stop homelessness before it starts’ report published by EY in conjunction with Maidstone Borough Council, analyses the roles that technology can play in helping to move from reacting to homelessness to actively preventing it. GB spoke to John Littlemore, head of housing & regulatory services at Maidstone Borough Council

Technology

The benefits of a green city

Footways is a network of quiet and enjoyable routes for walking in London, here Emma Griffin, co-founder of Footways discusses the benefits of having access to green spaces close to where we live

Sport & Leisure

Redesigning a playground

Loughton Town Council are currently in the process of redesigning their park and playground equipment. With the location also a flood plain, careful planning was essential, as the council explains here

Sport & Leisure

Parks maintenance in a world of new austerity – the challenges we face

Paul Rabbitts, chair of the Parks Management Association looks at the challenges facing those who maintain our parks

Grounds Care

That’s a good sign

Signage can bring real reward to your organisation and it is a very cost-efficient way to do so. GB looks at the benefits ofgood signage

Facilities Management

Federation calls for a national fire strategy

The Fire Sector Federation (FSF) has published a white paper calling for a wider discussion to create a national fire safety strategy that goes beyond current legislative proposals

Facilities Management

Derelict land to be used for new homes

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced that thousands of homes will be built on derelict land, with the intention to boost local regeneration.
Around £35 million from the Brownfield Land Release Fund 2 has been allocated to 41 councils with the aim of kickstarting regeneration in towns and cities.
59 regeneration projects across the country will see the building of 2,200 homes, with the hope of creating up to 7000 jobs.
The fund is part of the government's plan to level up the country and protect green spaces.

Gove calls for action on housing

Secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities Michael Gove has written to social housing providers and council leaders to call for action on housing conditions.
The letter to social housing providers calls on them to "raise the bar dramatically on the quality of social housing and empower tenants so that their voices are truly heard". Gove highlighted his concern that that cases of mould and damp have been left unaddressed for too long and they are not treated with sufficient seriousness.