Seat of the UK civil service and government
Milburn is leading a review that proposes primary schools identify students at risk of becoming NEET by end of primary, paired with welfare reforms. The Guardian, The Mirror and other outlets show a debate on how much schools should intervene in future employment outcomes, welfare costs, and mental health supports.
New prime minister has framed his premiership as a circuit breaker, pushing devolution and local control as keys to growth. Mayors will gain tax receipts and civil service support to drive local projects, with 18 authorities piloting secondments and a data-sharing program.
National cabinet is moving to implement nationally consistent standards for datacentres to use 100% renewables with firming, while allowing exemptions if state-owned plants prove cheaper. Projects approved before the rules apply will stay under existing state laws. The move follows surging datacentre demand and aims to curb electricity costs while balancing local impacts.
New prime minister Andy Burnham has set out a plan for deeper devolution, tackling the centralisation of power and sketching reforms to water, energy and housing. He stresses growth through regional autonomy while warning against a two-tier England and outlining a path to devolution deals with Cornwall and beyond.
The government has framed its approach to the October budget around boosting growth while preserving fiscal discipline. Chancellors have signalled a commitment to devolution, welfare reform, and a tighter budget in response to high borrowing costs and global instability.
The government has given English mayors the power to charge an overnight visitor levy as a percentage of accommodation costs with no statutory upper limit. Industry groups and major hotel chains have warned the uncapped power will push up prices, reduce demand and cost jobs; mayors argue revenue will fund local services and infrastructure from 2028.
Two crypto billionaires have donated 72m to Reform UK, triggering a debate over caps on overseas and domestic political contributions as Parliament considers the Representation of the People Bill. The government is pushing to tighten rules while reform argues donations are legal. The story is developing as Lords debate the bill.
IPPR data shows a persistent regional divide in job opportunities for 18–24-year-olds. Rotherham faces far fewer vacancies per 1,000 youths than the Cotswolds, with nine of the 10 best areas for youth jobs in the south. The government is under pressure as ministers review Milburn’s findings and consider reforms to apprenticeships and a universal youth service.
The United States has redeployed its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to the US after a new threat against the base, with Britain stressing that the site remains secure. Counter-terror police have been investigating a September incident near the base, and officials from the US and UK are citing ongoing security measures while confirming the move.
London’s Oxford Street is transitioning to a fully pedestrianised stretch, a centralelement in Sadiq Khan’s drive to green the capital. From 7am daily, vehicles including buses and bikes are banned along nearly 0.6 miles between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, with deliveries allowed outside hours. The move aims to boost footfall, public space, and urban health, while city planners refine the plan based on feedback.
England will see more local control over investment and funding to drive growth. A £285m seed fund will back mayors and regions, with a £1.5bn borrowing facility planned from 2028. Ministers say communities will decide their own future, reducing Westminster’s hold on local affairs. Defence spending remains a political flashpoint ahead of the Budget.