LONDON, Jan. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Secretary of State appoints new chairs of Network Rail and DFTO at pivotal time for industry * appointees will draw on their significant industry experience to deliver for passengers * thismarksnext chapterfor railwayasgovernment moves closer to establishment of Great British Railways Two key rail leaders have been appointedto oversee the railways at a monumental time for the industry today (12 January 2026). ...
LONDON, Jan. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The position as a Direct Ministerial Appointmentcommencesfrom today, 12 January 2026. Ms Martinwill continue to work directly with Rachel Reeves and her team of Treasury ministers to strengthen engagement with business leaders across the UK. The appointment reflects the government's commitment to working hand-in-hand with business to deliver economic growth. Ms Martin brings extensive experience of the business ...
LONDON, Jan. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The decision takes effect from 24 January 2026. The inquiry examined persistent and serious breaches of undertakings, including repeated overloading of vehicles, failure to comply with tachograph rules, and poor maintenance standards. The Commissioner found that the company's compliance record was "truly dreadful," citing twelve prohibitions and five fixed penalties over a five-year period for a fleet of just se...
LONDON, Jan. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Environment Agency and its project partners are inviting people to view new artists' impressions and outline designs for a scheme to reduce flood risk to Guildford town centre. Guildford has a long history of flooding from the River Wey, and the Environment Agency continues working in partnership with Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council on a long-term sustainable scheme to reduce the high lev...
LONDON, Jan. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: · Dr Melanie Ivarsson appointed as CEO of the HDRS to accelerate medical breakthroughs · Service will slash red tape to improve access to health data for approved researchers · HDRS could set the UK on a path to cure diseases like cancer, dementia and arthritis quicker An industry innovator has been appointed to lead the government's new health data research body, spearheading efforts to acceler...
LONDON, Jan. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has launched its2026Customer Satisfaction Survey to collect feedback from individuals who have used DBS services to obtainDBSchecksor contacted customer services for support. Please note: Thisspecificsurvey issolelyfor disclosure customers. The survey has been designed to understand customer satisfaction with DBS services,identifyareas where DBS is performing well, and p...
LONDON, Jan. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: A new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor has moved a step closer today (Monday 12January)with the announcement that the search for official delivery partners has begun. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has opened an Expression of Interest process with interested parties needing to demonstrate they have the capacity, experience, and knowledge to deliver the outcomes required fo...
LONDON, Jan. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: £600,000 has been made available under the second year of the 3-year £1.5million Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund (WCASF) which launched last April. Many victims have reported that revisiting traumatic experiences makes navigating the claim process extremely difficult. This vital support will continue and follows the success of the fund's first year. Advocates understand claimants' cultura...
LONDON, Jan. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Almost 340,000 Self Assessment filers have already paid their tax bill using the HMRC app. * It is quick and easy to pay via the HMRC app and set up payment reminders. * Taxpayers need to file their tax return and pay tax they owe by 31 January. The number of people using the HMRC app to pay their Self Assessment tax bill has increased by nearly 65%. Almost 340,000 people have used the HMRC app to pay their Se...
LONDON, Jan. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Give your views here. The GCA wants to hear from suppliers about how they have been treated by the 14 designated retailers. The GCA's 2026 groceries sector survey, which is open now and until 22 February, enables suppliers to confidentially tell the GCA how the retailers are working with them. Suppliers' views from the survey help the GCA to understand the retailers' behaviour and to take action to ensure the ...