School closures during the first national lockdown had a ‘dramatic impact’ on the number of child protection referrals made to local authorities, Amanda Spielman has said, launching Ofsted's annual report.

The CMA is launching a market study into electric vehicle charging, to make sure it works well for UK drivers when they transition to zero emission vehicles.

The government has authorised the first Covid-19 vaccine based on independent advice of the medicines regulator, which will be made available across the UK from next week.

A new local contact tracing system for Leeds is set to boost the city’s efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The Leeds COVID-19 Connect and Support Service is being launched by Leeds City Council in partnership with Public Health England, enhancing ongoing work to protect residents and communities from the virus.

Details have been set out by the government to help local areas detect asymptomatic cases and offer a route out of the toughest restrictions.
The announcement means that local authorities in tier 3 areas, the highest level of restrictions, can apply for the new six-week community testing programme to complement wider local strategies to tackle the virus. Local Directors of Public Health will be supported to develop approaches that work for their community, backed by national support and funding.

Nearly half of households surveyed at food banks during the summer owed money to the DWP due to loans and overpayments of benefits.

A new public opinion poll has reinforced support for councils, councillors and council workers who have responded to coronavirus.

Rretailers will be able to extend their daily opening hours from Monday to Saturday in the run up to Christmas and through January.