Press Releases

Social entrepreneurs urged to apply for PowerUP scheme to help address gang culture

Two Cabinet Office funded schemes will help social entrepreneurs create positive social change across London, the South East and Liverpool.

Minister for Africa condemns latest Boko Haram abductions

Africa Minister James Duddridge appalled by abhorrent abduction of women and children in northern Nigeria.

Thousands of budding entrepreneurs helped off benefits in Wales

Thousands of new businesses have been set up across Wales thanks to a UK government scheme to help people on benefits become their own boss.

Boosting the Great British high street

High streets across the country will be better equipped to meet the needs of their customers.

O2 Think Big wins Big Society Award

O2 Think Big programme which helps young people turn their ideas into reality has been recognised with a Big Society Award.

Watt skills shortage? Report highlights skills needs of energy sector

The UK’s energy sector needs to take action to address skills shortages and work together to secure a bright future, a new report finds.

Second Round of Food Enterprise Zones Created to Drive Growth

Six new Food Enterprise Zones announced today

Government ramps up efforts to tackle digital multinational tax risks

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has today confirmed it is working with five other tax authorities to share information about how digital multinationals might be shifting their profits to tax havens.

New agreement means thousands of new homes in Leicestershire

Housing Minister annouces multi-million pound deal to ensure a 4,000-home development will get started within the next month.

New Deputy Pensions Ombudsman appointed

Karen Johnston has been appointed as Deputy Pensions Ombudsman and Deputy Pensions Protection Fund Ombudsman.

Changes to DVLA’s telephone translation service

Motorists who don’t speak English or Welsh and want to use DVLA’s translation service will pick up the costs under changes announced today (25 March 2015) by Transport Minister Baroness Kramer.

Five new providers join flagship identity verification service

The public will get more choice when verifying their identities online using the GOV.UK Verify service.

Cold water could heat one million homes

One million homes could be tapping into clean renewable heat hidden in our waterways.

Foreign Secretary’s comments to the media about Germanwings flight

The Foreign Secretary spoke to the media this morning about British nationals involved in the Germanwings plane crash in the French Alps.

Working together to secure world class infrastructure in North Wales

Wales Office Minister Alun Cairns has urged business leaders, local councils and the Welsh Government to work more closely to help secure world class infrastructure for North Wales.

New action plan to tackle mental health stigma in schools

Schools across the country are to receive new advice to improve teaching about mental health and tackle stigma in schools.

Pupil Premium Awards 2015 winners congratulated

Academy wins £250,000 for work to raise the attainment of its disadvantaged pupils

£25 million injection to help ‘life-changing’ children’s services

Education Secretary announces vulnerable children and young people will benefit from grants to voluntary organisations.

Apprenticeships and traineeships move from strength to strength

New figures show that the number of people taking part in apprenticeships and traineeships is on the increase.

New advice on high-strength alcohol schemes

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has today issued new advice to retailers about competition law and high-strength alcohol schemes.

‘Dangerous’ daffodils and 10 more ‘elf and safety myths

Complaints from the public being fobbed off with health and safety excuses are at a record high.

Budding entrepreneurs on benefits taking business world by storm

Over 65,000 businesses have been set up with government backing from the New Enterprise Allowance.

Work starts on Teesside flood defences

Port Clarence defences will protect property

UK leads global crackdown on illegal wildlife trade

Britain will provide new funding to a global crackdown on the trade in rhino horn, elephant ivory and other illegal wildlife products.

Medicines regulator launches call for evidence on previously licensed oral hormonal pregnancy tests

Public call for evidence launched relating to the use of hormonal pregnancy tests.

Government announces new commissioners to the independent Low Pay Commission

Two new commissioners have been appointed to the Low Pay Commission, Business Minister Jo Swinson announced today (25 March 2015).

Suffragan Bishop of Hull: Reverend Canon Alison Mary White

The Queen has approved the nomination of Reverend Canon Alison Mary White, for election as Bishop of Hull in the Diocese of York.

Ebola: £1 million grant to develop ‘in the field’ test

Public Health England (PHE) scientists are heading a group researching a rapid Ebola test.

Thousands of granny flats benefiting from Council Tax cut

More than 2,400 homes have benefited from the new discounts across the country.

Stoke-on-Trent council failing to improve the city’s schools

Too many pupils in Stoke-on-Trent are getting an inadequate education, with standards in the city’s schools not improving rapidly enough.

Deputy Prime Minister launches mental health in sport initiative

Sports bodies are signing up to the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation to help remove stigma and prejudice around mental health.

Women on boards numbers almost doubled in last 4 years

Significant progress continues to be made with increased gender diversity in the boardrooms of the UK’s top companies.