Asbestos - meeting the 40-year deadline

19 October 2022
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The Work and Pensions Committee recently published the Government response to its report on the HSE’s approach to asbestos management. The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) was invited to attend as a witness to the recent UK Parliament, Work and Pensions Committee on “The Health and Safety Executive’s approach to asbestos management”

Making savings on the government estate

19 October 2022
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The government has recently published its Government Property Strategy, which aims to make savings by selling off property and making buildings more efficient. Government Business examines the strategy and how it can save the government money

Funding announced for green finance products to improve energy efficiency at home

19 October 2022
Funding announced for green finance products to improve energy efficiency at home
The government has announced a fund to help homeowners reduced energy consumption by providing green finance products.
The support will help banks, building societies and the finance industry to provide more green finance products for homeowners. The products will be designed for those looking to improve the energy efficiency of their property.
The support is intended to help homeowners spend less on energy and ensure as many homes as possible are EPC band V by 2035.
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HMRC encourages families to take up help for childcare costs

19 October 2022
HMRC encourages families to take up help for childcare costs
HMRC has encouraged UK families not to miss out on government funding for childcare costs.
HMRC said families could save up to £2000 a year on childcare costs to help pay for half-term holiday clubs and wraparound care during the term.
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Council gets funding to prevent terrorism and radicalisation

18 October 2022
Council gets funding to prevent terrorism and radicalisation
Blackburn with Darwen council has been awarded £600,000 to fight terrorism and radicalisation.
The county of Lancashire is one of the most at-risk areas in the country for individuals to be drawn into terrorism and the council is the lead authority running the Prevent programme in the area.
The programme aims to stop people becoming involved in terrorism.
Cllr Damian Talbot, head of public health and prevention said: "Blackburn with Darwen has been recognised as a centre for excellence for this type of work.
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Gloucestershire County Council launches rural minibus pilot

18 October 2022
Gloucestershire County Council launches rural minibus pilot
Gloucestershire County Council is to launch a rural minibus pilot to provide transport in two of the most rural areas in the county.
The £1.35 million pilot will provide a bespoke minibus service known as the Robin, which aims to provide on-demand services to fill a gap where there is no bus provision.
Residents will be able to book on an app or over the phone, with the service providing a link from bus stops in hamlets and village centres to local transport hubs and train stations.
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Welsh Government announces funding to boost digital and green sectors

17 October 2022
Welsh Government announces funding to boost digital and green sectors
A programme funded by the Welsh Government which helps people over 19 to improve their skills and employment prospects has been awarded £3 million to focus on digital and net zero skills.
Individuals on lower-incomes and those whose jobs are at risk are supported by Personal Learning Accounts (PLA) to learn new skills and achieve new qualifications.
£1 million will be spent to on training people in areas such as cyber, programming, data analysis, network and cloud infrastructure, database management, and digital and analysis skills.
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Plans announced for telecoms lab in Solihull

17 October 2022
Plans announced for telecoms lab in Solihull
Tech minister, Damian Collins, has announced the creation of a new Telecommunications Lab in Solihull, hoped to create dozens of jobs for the region.
The lab will be a secure research facility which brings to together telecoms operators, suppliers and academics to research and test innovative ways of boosting the security, resilience and performance of the UK's mobile networks.
The lab is the first of its kind in the country, and is set to create specialist jobs in telecoms and cyber security.
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