LONDON, Aug. 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has appointed Paul Kissack as the new Permanent Secretary of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Paul, who is currently the Group Chief Executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, will start the role in October. Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rt. Hon Steve R...
LONDON, Aug. 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Threatened Species Recovery Actions, a guide for supporting the recovery of more than 1,000 threatened species published * Natural England Chair calls for a redoubling of efforts with time running out to halt the decline of nature The results of a multi-million pound investment in nature have been revealed for the first time today (Wednesday 13 August), alongside the launch of a new guide for supporting t...
LONDON, Aug. 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Over 1,000 hectares of nationally rare upland habitats have been secured for nature through the creation of England's new Stiperstones Landscape National Nature Reserve. The expanded reserve is more than 3 times the area of the original Stiperstones reserve. It brings together 6 partner organisations to safeguard precious heathland, ancient woodland, bogs and acidic grasslands on the edge of the English Welsh bor...
LONDON, Aug. 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The UK's Sub-National Governance Programme ran from 2019 to 2025, unlocking over £1.9 billion in public finance through improved planning, budgeting, and revenue mobilisation. Working closely with provincial governments, the programme has helped to achieve savings to reinvest into other public services. For example, it helped the Government of Punjab to develop a comprehensive pensions reform plan. This in...
LONDON, Aug. 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: North London Muslim Housing Association (NLM) was unable to provide evidence that it has ensured its governance arrangements are aligned with the activities and risks of the organisation. Weaknesses in performance reporting meant the board was unable to monitor the delivery of NLM's strategic objectives and effective management of strategic risks. Significant improvements are also needed to NLM's risk, control ...
LONDON, Aug. 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Former chairman of John Lewis, Sir Charlie Mayfield, experienced banker and regeneration entrepreneur Edward Twiddy and economics communications specialist Jenny Scott appointed as non-executive directors. * Trio will oversee the Treasury's work and offer challenge and advice to the Department to support decision making. Three experienced business leaders from retail, tech and communications have been appointe...
LONDON, Aug. 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Planning Inspectorate is continuously looking at how we can improve the service we provide for our customers/consumers/users. We make changes informed by research sessions conducted with our users to better understand the needs and experiences of people who use any of our digital services e.g. Find a National Infrastructure Project or Appeals.   We're looking for participants to take part in shor...
LONDON, Aug. 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Juliana Correa, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Guatemala, visited the Office of the Organization of American States (OAS) in the Adjacency Zone on 12 August. The OAS Office plays a key role in promoting dialogue, trust, and peaceful cooperation between the communities of Guatemala and Belize along the Adjacency Line, while the territorial dispute remains under consideration by the International Court of Jus...
LONDON, Aug. 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Scottish Government's Government Expenditure and Revenue (GERS) figures for 2024-25 show that people in Scotland benefit by £2,669 more per head of additional spending compared to the UK average, as a result of the redistribution of wealth throughout the UK, and the impact of our Plan for Change. This is an increase of £358 on the previous year [£2,311 in 2023-24]. In 2024-25, £91.4 billi...
LONDON, Aug. 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: PackUK has appointed members to 3 of its key advisory groups. These voluntary advisory groups, alongside the Scheme Administrator Steering Group, will support the continued development and delivery of the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging scheme (pEPR). They play an important role in shaping the UK's packaging waste reforms: * Recyclability Assessment Methodology Technical Advisory Committee * Effi...