Government is on track to hit its target of 2,500 new officers by 2018 as part of commitment to improve safety across the prison estate.
New figures released by Justice Secretary David Lidington shows that from January 2017 there has been a net increase of 868 new prison officers helping staff in prisons to turn them into places of safety and reform.

Simpler rules regulating how councils buy goods and services after Brexit could boost local growth and create jobs, the LGA says.

Grants of up to £5,000 will be available for small and medium-sized businesses in Northamptonshire to help their expansion.

£450,000 has been allocated to the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership for a new ‘Perpetrator Pathway’ service.
The service will direct people who have concerns about their behaviour, as well as family or friends who may be worried, to services and support which can help them.
It is anticipated the service will launch late September 2017.
Dick Madden, chair of the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board, said: “Any money we can put into driving down domestic abuse in the county is a welcomed addition.

Oxford City Council has agreed the terms of three schemes designed to support local businesses.

The LGA and Arts Council England have collaborated to create the first online resource to help councils develop innovative ways to invest in culture.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has set out his innovative approach to increasing the levels of affordable housing in the capital.

Conciliation service Acas has reported that the seven-week bin strike in Birmingham has been called off, following ‘positive’ negotiations.
Birmingham City Council and Unite the Union have ‘made sufficient progress’ in their talks for the Shop Stewards to pause industrial action. Cabinet members have agreed in principle that the grade 3 posts will be maintained, with no redundancy steps in place.

The Office for National Statistics figures show that the unemployment rate has fallen to 4.4 per cent – the lowest level since 1975.
The Department for Work and Pensions says that this is due to there now being 338,000 more people in work compared to this time last year. The employment rate is at a record high of 75.1 per cent, with 32.07 million people now in work.

Basildon Council has been awarded a €600,000 share of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) to enhance markets in the borough.
The project will open up opportunities for market traders to access tailor made business support, fund further promotion of Basildon markets and increase footfall back to town centres.