A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed that the government building maintenance backlog is at least £49 billion.
This includes maintenance backlogs across schools, hospitals, prisons and more.
The NAO found that Ministry of Defence properties, schools and NHS properties have a backlog totalling more than £10 billion each and make up 88 per cent of the total backlog. The remaining 12 per cent is made up of sites including prisons, job and assessment centres, courts, and museums and galleries.

A bus franchising trial is set to begin in Wales in a bid to improve transport for rural communities.
A trial of the criteria designed for bus reform, led by Transport for Wales and mid-Wales councils, will take place and identify what a good bus network will look like.
It is hoped that the trial will also bring opportunities for early improvements to services in rural communities in Ceredigion and Powys, through more reliable buses.
The trial will help inform further improvements as part of plans for full franchising in the longer term.

The government has announced plans for a GOV.UK wallet, which will make government-issued documents available on your phone.
The scheme will begin with a Veteran Card and an early version of digital driver’s licence later this year.
People will be able to prove their age, online and in person, when buying age-restricted items and prove their right to drive.
The GOV.UK Wallet will enable users to securely store government-issued documents on their phone and use them easily when needed.

The Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which met for the first time yesterday (20th January 2025), has had its members announced, and will aim to boost collaboration between the government and the tourism industry.

The Mining Remediation Authority have launched their Gateshead mine water heat Living Laboratory, a pioneering new research initiative that aims to brand the potential of mine water heat technology in the UK and contribute to a net zero future.

The government has announced plans to leverage technology and AI tools to streamline public services, improve data sharing and reduce costs.
A new package of AI tools - known as Humphrey - will be made available to civil servants in an attempt to modernise tech and deliver better public services.
The plans come following the publication of a review that shows that the country relies on a poor system, with outdated methods of communication. For example, HMRC takes 100,000 calls a day and DVLA processes 45,000 letters.

The Welsh Government has announced a £700,000 investment to help Cwtch Mawr, a multibank in Swansea, expand its reach and offer free essential items to more people.
Cwtch Mawr distributes goods like cleaning products, toiletries, and furniture. It  works with over 60 referral partners such as social workers, health professionals, and charities.
Since its launch in March 2024, the organisation has supported over 120,000 people - three times its 40,000 target.

The Rough Sleeping Winter Pressures Funding has been tripled from £10 million to £30 million.
The government scheme to increase the use of emergency accommodation for rough sleepers will help more rough sleepers off the streets and provide warm beds.
The cash will go directly into areas with record levels of rough sleeping.
Figures show that those experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping are 8 to 12 times more likely to die prematurely.

The public sector is missing out on £45 billion in productivity savings because of old and outdated technology.
Half of public services cannot be accessed online and people are spending a significant amount of time accessing services online. Meanwhile, staff are also wasting time on paperwork. Response times are therefore long.
A report is due to be published on Tuesday which sets out the state of public sector technology and includes examples like having to register a death in person.

The Welsh Government has announced an additional £1.5 million of funding to provide warm hubs across Wales.
Warm hubs provide a safe place where people can meet, get advice, and stay warm. Many also provide practical help with managing bills, claiming benefits, and accessing energy-saving advice.
This funding commitment in the Welsh Government’s draft budget for 2025 to 2026 builds on the £1.5m already provided for warm hubs in this financial year.