LONDON, Oct. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Five areas have moved closer to streamlined local government in their area as the government announced the next steps in its review of Local Government Reorganisation. Following the announcement of a review last month, Ministers have confirmed that the programme is continuing and remains aligned with the wider plans to shift power out of Westminster and back to local communities, including those announced at thi...
LONDON, Oct. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Scott Smith Scott Smith is Chief Financial Officer of Six Nations Rugby, having previously held CFO roles at the England and Wales Cricket Board and the America's Cup. He has experience in financial leadership, commercial strategy, media rights, major events and corporate governance. He also holds non-executive and advisory positions with Racecourse Media Group, Archery GB and the EURO 2028 Oversight Group. Sco...
LONDON, Oct. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Marie-Therese McGivern Dr McGivern's three-year term as Trustee and Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee for The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Heritage Memorial Fund Board commences on 30 December 2026. Dr McGivern began her career as a further education lecturer before joining the Making Belfast Work initiative. In 1999, she was appointed Director of Development at Belfast City Council, leadin...
LONDON, Oct. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Designed to put customers in control, the service provides a straightforward, self-service option for claiming Below Threshold refunds. The milestone has been confirmed today (29 October 2026) as SLC issues its annual Student loans repayments via PAYE eligible for refund statistical release. The ad hoc statistical release provides more information on the total number of customers who have made repayments under ...
LONDON, Oct. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Scale UK Connect pilot will give 200 high-growth UK firms expert advice, connections and international opportunities to help them grow. * Businesses can apply now to access support from a network of partners covering the UK, from London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, to the South West, Yorkshire, Scotland and beyond. * Home-grown companies will get the support they need to attract international inve...
LONDON, Oct. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Ban on sale of nicotine-free vapes and addictive products such as nicotine pouches to children comes into effect from today * Government ends promotional giveaways, substantial discounts and vending-machine sales of vaping and nicotine products * New enforcement powers to crack down on rogue traders, including £200 fixed penalty notices Children will be better protected from respiratory illnesses and nico...
LONDON, Oct. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Environment Secretary is set to take further action against failing water companies, with tougher consequences for executives at persistently underperforming firms, and demanding action on the worst pollution incidents. Intending to shine a harsh light on these serious incidents, Ministers will visit a number of sites to interrogate companies' responses. Dame Angela Eagle will also be looking at options to s...
LONDON, Oct. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Drinking Water Inspectorate, Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and Ofwat have today published the first Water Industry Performance Insights report. The four regulators have brought their evidence together, giving the public, governments and industry a single, clear view of how the water industry is performing. The report reflects a shared commitment by regulators to transparency, accountability and...
LONDON, Oct. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Campaigning on behalf of Professor Dapo Akande to win seat on International Court of Justice * Justice Secretary Alex Norris to give speech at UN General Assembly setting out Britain's commitment to the rule of law and its support for Professor Akande's candidacy * The visit comes ahead of the election on November 3rd In a speech to UN member states the Lord Chancellor Alex Norris will set out his support for ...
LONDON, Oct. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Better workplace culture, improved reporting routes to tackle harassment, and fairer investment practices are expected to inform new voluntary standards announced as part of the Chancellor's Budget * Government to launch a scale-up women's programme, with enhanced support to help women-led businesses scale and grow * Creating a fairer sector and investment culture where women are empowered to start and scale bu...