Latest News
OFT to boost outdoor advertising competition with local authorities
Clear Channel and JCDecaux, two of the major outdoor advertising companies, have agreed to make changes to the way they enforce contracts with local authorities for advertising on bus shelters and information panels. The voluntary assurances mean that potential competitors will now be in a stronger position to compete for contracts coming up for tender [...]
(Continue reading)Barnet fined £70,000 for losing highly sensitive data
The London Borough of Barnet has been issued with a penalty of £70,000 for losing paper records containing highly sensitive and confidential information, including the names, addresses, dates of birth and details of the sexual activities of 15 vulnerable children and young people. The loss occurred when a social worker took the paper records home [...]
(Continue reading)Publication scheme requirements to be revised by ICO
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has announced that new changes will be made to the information public authorities will need to release proactively as part of their publication scheme. Publication schemes are key documents that set out what information a public authority will make available about how it works. The news follows an ICO consultation [...]
(Continue reading)Miller wins Gateshead NHS works contract
Miller HPS has been awarded a design and build contract from Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust at Gateshead Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The contract, awarded through the ProCure 21+ Framework, will see the creation of a new £22m Emergency Care Centre. Chris Webster, Chief Executive, Miller Construction, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract. Miller HPS [...]
(Continue reading)Minister: Literacy and numeracy skills key part of teacher training
A new consultation seeking views on introducing more detailed requirements for literacy and numeracy in initial teacher training (ITT) courses in Wales has been launched by the Welsh Government. The consultation introduces proposals for literacy and numeracy in ITT outlined in Education Minister Leighton Andrews’ 20 point plan to raise standards of education in Wales. [...]
(Continue reading)Plans for redevelopment of Mall West site in Armagh
Northern Ireland Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced that a ‘preferred developer’ has been appointed to redevelop the important Mall West site in Armagh city centre. Next to the historic Mall in the city, the development site consists of part of the existing multi- storey car park, adjacent land towards McCrum’s Court and the [...]
(Continue reading)Scotland’s new local government scrutiny plan published
The third National Scrutiny Plan for Local Government has been published. Prepared by the main organisations responsible for scrutinising Scotland’s councils, the activity timetable shows strategic scrutiny work for 2012/13, looking at each council overall and its key services. The plan is based on risk assessments of each council and agreed local and national priorities. [...]
(Continue reading)Tablet computer pilot in Scottish schools
The potential for mobile devices, including tablet computers, to enhance learning in Scottish schools is to be explored by Education Scotland. Ten local authorities, almost 20 schools and hundreds of pupils are already using a range of devices, including iPads, at Sciennes Primary School in Edinburgh and Android technology at Morgan Academy in Dundee. Education [...]
(Continue reading)£50m repairs contract awarded to Lovell
One of the West Midlands’ largest housing associations, the Accord Group, has awarded a £50m repairs contract to Lovell. Lovell beat 15 competitors to win the ten-year contract from Accord, which provides 11,000 affordable homes and a range of services to 50,000 people across the Midlands. As part of the deal, Lovell will undertake day-to-day [...]
(Continue reading)Heritage Lottery Fund boost for town centres
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced earmarked support totalling £15.9m for the regeneration of 12 city and town centres stretching from Falkirk to Folkestone. HLF’s investment will come through its Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) programme which fosters effective partnerships between local organisations, enabling repairs and other essential works in historic but often run-down areas. [...]
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