theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
UN Human Rights Council 60: UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 10 Resolution on Somalia
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-08)

UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 10 Resolution on Somalia. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I have the honour to introduce, on behalf of the UK and Somalia, the draft resolution L.14 on ‘Assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights.’

The United Kingdom is proud to continue our close partnership with Somalia in advancing the protection and promotion of human rights. We value our role as a constructive and trusted partner – a critical friend – supporting Somalia’s progress towards sustainable peace, development, and accountability.

Since 1993, Somalia has made significant strides in rebuilding from conflict, strengthening governance, and advancing stability and reconciliation. We commend the Somali authorities for their continued engagement with this Council and with the wider UN human rights system. We also recognise that Somalia continues to face serious human rights challenges, but we welcome the government’s willingness to confront these issues head-on, including through open and constructive dialogue here in Geneva.

This resolution marks an historic step forward for Somalia. It transitions from a long-standing Independent Expert mandate to a new partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. This evolution reflects Somalia’s growing institutional capacity, its commitment to reform, and the maturity of its cooperation with the international community.

We pay tribute to the Independent Expert, who has provided vital support and scrutiny. The new arrangement is focused on supporting Somalia’s own national human rights priorities, and includes continued monitoring and public reporting. This balance of partnership and oversight remains essential to sustained progress.

We particularly welcome Somalia’s commitment to establish a fully independent National Human Rights Commission – a vital institution to safeguard rights, promote accountability, and give voice to all Somalis.

Finally, we believe Item 10 mandates must evolve in line with the needs and aspirations of the countries concerned. We should continue to think creatively about how technical assistance and capacity-building can most effectively support national ownership and lasting human rights progress.

We look forward to the Council’s support for this resolution.

Thank you.
Care and Repair (North East Wales) Limited
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We Care and Repair (North East Wales) Limited will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 Care and Repair (North East Wales) Limited recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Discounts
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.
Academy trust notices to improve
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-13)

Letters issued by the Department for Education (DfE) and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to academy trusts with a notice to improve.

On this page, you can find letters issued to academy trusts by DfE and ESFA that serve as a written notice to improve.

You can also:
- view academies’ financial notices to improve issued by ESFA before September 2021 (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/academies-financial-notices-to-improve)
- read our investigation publishing policy (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/efa-investigation-publishing-policy)
January 2025 Transaction Data
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-21)

This data provides information about the number and types of applications that HM Land Registry completed in January 2025.

Please note this data shows what HM Land Registry has been able to process during the time period covered and is not necessarily a reflection of market activity.

In January:
- HM Land Registry completed more than 1,886,710 applications to change or query the Land Register
- the South East topped the table of regional applications with 422,822
HM Land Registry completed 1,886,714 applications in January compared with 1,511,662 in December 2024 and 1,883,137 last January 2024, of which:
- 301,500 were applications for register updates compared with 272,715 in December
- 1,083,311 were applications for an official copy of a register compared with 803,687 in December
- 194,671 were search and hold queries (official searches) compared with 184,798 in December
- 86,227 were transactions for value compared with 59,822 in December
- 15,425 were postal applications from non-account holders compared with 13,961 in December
Applications by region and country

Top 5 local authority areas

January 2025 applications

December 2024 applications

Top 5 customers

January 2025 applications

December 2024 applications

Access the full dataset on our Use land and property data service (https://use-land-property-data.service.gov.uk/datasets/td/download).

Next publication

Transaction Data is published on the 15th working day of each month. The February 2025 data will be published at 11am on Friday 21 March 2025.
Mrs L Rushan v Sodexo Ltd: 2408670/2022
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-20)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in Mrs L Rushan v Sodexo Ltd: 2408670/2022 - Dismissal (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67dae850b1857deda3da028a/Mrs_L_Rushan_v_Sodexo_Limited_-_2408670_2022_-_Judgment.pdf).
Lifelong learning entitlement: maintenance loans for living costs
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-26)

How maintenance support for living costs at colleges and universities will change when the lifelong learning entitlement launches.

This guidance explains how maintenance support for living costs at colleges and universities will change when the lifelong learning entitlement (LLE) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lifelong-learning-entitlement-lle-overview/lifelong-learning-entitlement-overview) launches.
Local Plan examinations: letter to the Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate (October 2025)
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-09)

This letter lays out the government’s expectations on the exercise of flexibility in the examination of local plans submitted within the current plan-making system.

The Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP, has written to the Planning Inspectorate to outline his expectation that local plans submitted in the current plan-making system should be treated with an appropriate degree of flexibility.
HMEXSH2210 - General structure and nature of the Export Shops warehousing regime: How the duty is calculated
Source: gov.uk (2025-08-08)


At the end of an accounting period the duty liability (actual sales to non-entitled passengers) is established and the advance payment is deducted from this amount. At the same time the next advance payment is due and this is taken into account when establishing the duty amount to be paid. The net effect will usually be that the actual duty liability for the accounting period is the amount to be paid. The formula is as follows:Actual Duty Liability, less Advance Payment paid last month, plus Advance Payment due. Whilst this has the result of the advance payment acting like a deposit it is not to be treated as one. The advance payment can be changed and this will affect the duty due in the accounting period when the new advance payment amount is first paid. See HMEXSH7010 (https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/holding-and-movements-exports-shops/hmexsh7010) for examples.
Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration Fifty Third Report: 2025
Source: gov.uk (2025-05-22)

Recommendations and observations from the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration on doctors’ and dentists’ pay in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

This report sets out the DDRB’s recommendations for doctors’ and dentists’ pay in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The DDRB provides independent advice on the pay of doctors and dentists in the NHS and HSC to the:

Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

First Minister of Scotland and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care

First Minister of Wales and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care

First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and the Minister of Health

For England the Government responded to the report in Parliament. (https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2025-05-22/hcws663)
Get help after you return from the UK
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-05)

Information about the help you can get following your return from the UK (reintegration services).

About the service

The Home Office offers help after you return to your home country if:
- you have no legal right to remain in the UK
- you either choose to return home (voluntary return) or are being returned
We can help you when you arrive and for up to 12 months after you return.

You can still use the reintegration service if you have already received help from the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) or the Facilitated Returns Scheme (FRS).

How we can help you

When you arrive in your home country

We can help you with:

someone to meet you at the airport (available upon request)

accommodation for up to 5 nights

transport to an address in the same country

care and food packs

small cash payment for items you may need

Living in your home country

We can help you with:

obtaining documentation

finding and rejoining with your family

local services, including health services

mental wellbeing and counselling

We can also support you with accessing an education and entrepreneurship fund to help with:
- finding a job
- further education or vocational training
- setting up a business
Jacqueline Keogh
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-19)

Jacqueline is a financial services executive with 30 years experience. She works as a Senior Advisor at the Financial Conduct Authority and previously held senior roles at Western Union, Lloyds Banking Group, Standard Chartered and SWIFT. Jacqueline’s existing appointment has been extended from March 2025 to 31 March 2028.

Jacqueline is a financial services executive with 30 years experience. She works as a Senior Advisor at the Financial Conduct Authority and previously held senior roles at Western Union, Lloyds Banking Group, Standard Chartered and SWIFT.

Jacqueline’s existing appointment has been extended from March 2025 to 31 March 2028.
Miss M Miller v Greggs plc: 2305373/2019
Source: gov.uk (2025-04-14)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in Miss M Miller v Greggs plc: 2305373/2019 - Dismissal (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6373814fd3bf7f4a574c1473/Miss_M_Miller_v_Greggs_PLC_-_2305373_2019_.pdf).

Read the full decision in Miss M Miller v Greggs plc: 2305373/2019 - Judgment with Reasons (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63d24b06e90e071bad201667/Miss_M_Miller_v_Greggs_plc_2305373-2019rule_38_judgment_19-01-2023.pdf).

Read the full decision in Miss M Miller v Greggs plc: 2305373/2019 - Reconsideration (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64089955e90e0740d987d96f/Miss_M_Miller_v_Greggs_Plc._-_2305373-2019.pdf).

Read the full decision in Miss M Miller v Greggs plc: 2305373/2019 - Judgment by Consent (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67f68af032b0da5c2a09e268/Miss_M_Miller_v_Greggs_plc_2305373-2019_Decision_on_Application_for_Reconsideration.pdf).

Read the full decision in Miss M Miller v Greggs plc: 2305373/2019 - Amended Judgment with Reasons (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67f68b3590615dd92bc90df5/Miss_M_Miller_v_Greggs_plc_2305373-2019_Judgment_on_Rule_38_Application.pdf).

Read the full decision in Miss M Miller v Greggs plc: 2305373/2019 - Reconsideration (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67f68bc4b7e44efc70acc426/Miss_M_Miller_v_Greggs_plc_2305373-2019_Reconsideration_Judgment.pdf).
JJX Logistics
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We JJX Logistics will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 JJX Logistics recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Reserve Forces Day
- Discounts
- Armed Forces Charities
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.
Smart meters in Great Britain, quarterly update March 2025
Source: gov.uk (2025-05-29)

Quarterly statistics on the roll-out of smart meters in Great Britain, covering both operating and installed meters.

These statistics include:
- the number of smart meters installed by large energy suppliers in January to March 2025
- total numbers of smart and non-smart meters operated by these suppliers at the end of March 2025
- the full series from 2012 onwards of quarterly and annual operating and installation numbers
The next quarterly publication to end June 2025 is due for release on 28 August 2025.

Find out more about the smart meter roll-out (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/smart-meters-how-they-work).

Contact us

If you have questions about these statistics, please email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).
G Kentish v Arthur Financial Ltd and D Faulkner: 1402658/2024
Source: gov.uk (2025-06-25)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in G Kentish v Arthur Financial Ltd and D Faulkner: xx-xxxx-xxxx - Judgment (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685ab74adb207fc18744d632/Gemma_Kentish_v_Arthur_Financial_Ltd___Daniel_Faulkner___xx-xxxx-xxxx___Judgment___18.6.25.pdf).
Ms A Robinson v Middlesex Learning Trust: 3322927/2021
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-15)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in Ms A Robinson v Middlesex Learning Trust: 3322927/2021 - Reserved Judgment (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/661fb2cfced96304c8757da8/Ms_A_Robinson_v_Middlesex_Learning_Trust_3322927.2021_PPH_Reserved_Judgment.pdf).

Read the full decision in Ms A Robinson v Middlesex Learning Trust: 3322927/2021 - Reserved Judgment (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/687a37159b1337e9a7726b88/Miss_Annika_Fay_Robinson_v_Middlesex_Learning_Trust_3322927_2021_FMH_Reserved_Judgment.pdf).

Read the full decision in Ms A Robinson v Middlesex Learning Trust: 3322927/2021 - Remedy (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68ee2f578427701993d5e03b/Miss_A_Robinson___v_-_Middlesex_Learning_Trust___3322927-2021_-_Judgment.pdf).
Mr D Thompson v Lidl GB: 6007094/2024
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-29)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in Mr D Thompson v Lidl GB: 6007094/2024 - Dismissal (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d3b8898c739d679fb1dcc0/Mr._D._Thompson_v_Lidl_GB_-_6007094_2024_-_Judgment.pdf).
Complaints procedure
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-02)

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is committed to providing a high-quality service to everyone we deal with.

We welcome your views on the services that the Embassy provides, as they will help us to identify what we do well and what we could do better.

Complaints, feedback and suggestions on consular services

If you have any complaints, feedback or suggestions about the consular service provided, please send details of your complaint using our online feedback form (https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/australia/british-consulate-general-melbourne), or in writing to:

Customer Interaction TeamConsular DirectorateRoom WH4.36Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeKing Charles StreetLondonSW1A 2AH

We aim to respond to complaints relating to consular services within 20 working days. Find out more about our complaints procedure (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office/about/complaints-procedure).

Customer research

We also work with partner research agencies to conduct customer satisfaction research on our services. If you have sought consular assistance overseas and have provided your contact details to us, we may ask you to take part in our customer satisfaction research. Find out more about our feedback programme and research (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office/about/complaints-procedure#our-feedback-programme-and-research).

We are not able to respond to any queries or complaints about UK visas or British passports.

Passports

If your complaint is about British passports, contact HM Passport Office (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office/about/complaints-procedure).

Visas

If your complaint is about UK visas, contact UK Visas and Immigration (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration/about/complaints-procedure).

Or if you have a query or feedback on UK visa services provided in Australia, please visit the UK visas website (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration).
SPM181200 - Paying and Recovering - SSP/SMP/SAP/SPP/ShPP/SPBP/SNCP: Insolvent employer
Source: gov.uk (2025-04-06)


HMRC are liable to pay any unpaid:
- SSP from the date of insolvency
- SMP, SAP, SPP, ShPP, SPBP and SNCP from the pay week in which the liable employer becomes insolvent.
HMRC liability runs from the day or week in which insolvency occurs until entitlement ends. Remember that entitlement to SSP ends when the contract comes to an end, (which may have been ended at the insolvency date) or when incapacity ceases.

Payments due for periods before the day or week of insolvency remain the employer's responsibility unless the employer defaults. If this happens, normal action should be taken to issue a decision, await a response or appeal and pay as appropriate, see SPM231800 (https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/statutory-payments-manual/spm231800).

If after reviewing the case it is established that the employee does have an entitlement to a statutory payment but the employer is insolvent it must be established if the period of entitlement relates to a post or pre insolvency period, or both.

Post insolvency period

If it is established that the employee has entitlement to a statutory payment from an employer for a post insolvency period HMRC is liable to pay the employee their statutory payment.

If the statutory payment period has ended, a single payment can be made to cover the whole of the post insolvency period. If the statutory payment period continues, weekly payments will continue to be made until entitlement ends.

Pre insolvency period

If it has been established that the employee is entitled to statutory payments from an insolvent employer for a pre insolvency period, the employer is liable for any statutory payments due, up until the date the company became insolvent. Inform the employer that they are liable to make the statutory payment and issue a formal decision.

If it has been established that the employer, liquidator or official receiver will not make the payment further action is taken by the Statutory Payments Dispute Team.

A liquidator or official receiver may offer to pay some or all of the statutory payment at a later date when it has been established that there will be a distribution of company assets. However, it should be explained, that following the end of the 30-day appeal period, HMRC assume the employer’s liability when they default following the next payday. As the liability to pay the statutory payment then falls to HMRC, we would not expect to receive a payment from the liquidator or official receiver after that date.

However, should a payment be made by the liquidator or official receiver following the transfer of liability to HMRC, it should be accepted and paid into the NI Fund.

Reg 9A (1) (c) of the Statutory Sick Pay (General) Amendment Regulations SI 1987/894

Reg 7 of the Statutory Maternity Pay (General) Regulations SI 1986/1960

Reg 43 of Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (General) Regulations SI 2002/2822

If the payment relates to a pre and post insolvency period, both processes should be carried out at the same time.
Graffins Services Ltd
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We Graffins Services Ltd will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 Graffins Services Ltd recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Reserve Forces Day
- Armed Forces Charities
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.
Aligning the upper age for NHS prescription charge exemptions with the State Pension age
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-25)

This consultation is seeking views on changing the upper age of age exemptions on prescription charges.

Please be aware this consultation was originally published on 1 July 2021 but the online response form was updated at 5:15pm on Thursday 8 July to include a question that was omitted in error. There have been no changes to the consultation document. Any responses that had already been made will still be considered. The question that’s been added is “Do you think that aligning the upper age exemption with state pension age could have a differential impact on particular groups of people or communities?”. If you responded to the consultation before this question was added but did not supply a contact email address, you can submit a response to this question (https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/60f1d71d92acba45b64b5bfb), if you wish. Individuals who did supply an email address have been contacted directly to invite them to respond. You do not have to respond to the whole consultation again. The consultation has been extended to account for the changes and allow sufficient time for consideration and will now close on 2 September.

The government is consulting on aligning the upper age exemption for NHS prescription charges with the State Pension age (SPA). In 2019, around £600 million was generated in revenue from prescription charges for frontline NHS services. Currently, people receive free prescriptions when they turn 60 in England, whereas the SPA is now 66.

The consultation is seeking views from the public and healthcare professionals on options for change including building in a period of protection so those aged between 60 to 65 can continue to benefit from free prescriptions if the upper age exemption rises.

See the easy read version of the online survey (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changes-to-giving-free-prescriptions-to-people-aged-60-and-over-easy-read).
GCA's 2025 annual survey now live
Source: gov.uk (2025-01-13)

Update: The 2025 GCA annual survey has now closed.

The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) has today (13 January 2025) launched its annual groceries sector survey and wants to hear from as many suppliers as possible about how they have been treated by the 14 large retailers (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/groceries-code-adjudicator/about#designated-retailers).

The survey, run by the independent polling company YouGov, is one of the most important ways for suppliers to confidentially tell the GCA about their experiences supplying the large retailers. The questions cover the behaviour of the retailers and issues affecting the industry. The responses will help the GCA understand which large retailers are perceived as the most, and least, compliant with the Groceries Code (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/groceries-supply-code-of-practice/groceries-supply-code-of-practice) and how cost price negotiations and other issues are impacting suppliers.

The Adjudicator, Mark White, said:

“The 2024 survey results showed improvements in the number of suppliers experiencing Code issues and across several of the most significant issues impacting relationships between the large retailers and their suppliers. It also highlighted suppliers’ concerns about Amazon.

“I want to hear from as many suppliers as possible about their ongoing experiences supplying the large retailers. Your feedback helps me to better understand supplier concerns and to focus my engagement to ensure these retailers treat all suppliers fairly and lawfully.”

The 2024 survey

The 2024 survey revealed that the number of suppliers experiencing a Code issue had fallen by 3% to 33%. There was a 12% fall, to 16%, in the percentage of suppliers highlighting a large retailer’s response to a CPI request as an issue.

Suppliers perceived improvements against other issues including large retailers’ processes to promptly resolve invoice discrepancies and data input errors. The GCA is interested to see what changes suppliers perceive in this survey.

The 2024 survey results also highlighted suppliers’ concerns about Amazon; its perceived Code compliance score fell from 59% to 47%. The GCA is monitoring the actions that Amazon is taking to ensure that it is demonstrably complying with the Code and would like to continue to hear from suppliers about their ongoing experiences.

Next steps

The survey is open for six weeks, closing on Sunday 23 February 2025, and the results will be published in the summer. The GCA will commission YouGov to conduct anonymous follow-up interviews with a select group of respondents to explore supplier concerns in more detail. Suppliers can indicate their willingness to participate in these interviews at the end of the survey.

For any media enquiries, please email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx). For all other enquiries, please email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).
Pembrokeshire County Council
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We Pembrokeshire County Council will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 Pembrokeshire County Council recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Reserve Forces Day
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.
Mr J Baxter v Valve Components Ltd (In Administration): 8000425/2024
Source: gov.uk (2025-06-05)

Employment Tribunal decision.

Read the full decision in Mr J Baxter v Valve Components Ltd (In Administration): 8000425/2024 - Rule 22 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6839bb225150d70c85aafb63/Mr_J_Baxter_v_Valve_Components__Limited__In_Administration__-_8000425.2024_-_Judgment.pdf).
Thistle E-Bikes Ltd
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We Thistle E-Bikes Ltd will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 Thistle E-Bikes Ltd recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Reserve Forces Day
- Armed Forces Charities
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.
Social care common inspection framework (SCCIF): voluntary adoption agencies
Source: gov.uk (2025-08-29)

Guidance on how Ofsted inspects voluntary adoption agencies.

This framework sets out Ofsted’s process for inspecting voluntary adoption agencies.

Our approach is underpinned by the following 3 principles that apply to all social care inspections:
- to focus on the things that matter most to children’s lives
- to be consistent in our expectations of providers
- to prioritise our work where improvement is needed most
MTT10240 - Scope: Excluded entities: Definitions of ‘governmental entity’ and ‘international organisation’
Source: gov.uk (2025-08-05)


The definitions of ‘governmental entity’ and ‘international organisation’ are set out in section 234 of Finance (No.2) Act 2023.

Governmental entity

An entity is a governmental entity if:
- it is wholly owned by a national, regional, or local government,
- it has the principal purpose of carrying out a public function of that government or managing or investing the assets of that government (in which case it is a sovereign wealth fund, see MTT42020 (https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/multinational-top-up-tax-and-domestic-top-up-tax/mtt42020)),
- it is accountable to the government on its overall performance and provides annual information reporting to the government,
- it does not carry on a trade or business,
- when dissolved, its assets belong to that government, and
- it does not distribute profit except to that government.
International organisation

An international organisation is an intergovernmental or supranational organisation that is:
- comprised primarily of governments,
- has a headquarters, or privileges or immunities in respect of its establishments, in the territory in which it is established, and
- it cannot distribute profits to private persons according to its governing documents or the law of that territory.
An entity that acts for, is part of, or is wholly owned by such an organisation is also an international organisation.
ECSH92500 - Appeal
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-08)


As per regulation 99 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/692/regulation/99) and regulation 100 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/692/regulation/100) of The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLR 2017), a person or business who is the subject of the following decisions by HMRC can appeal the decision to the tribunal:

Regulation 58 MLR 2017, to the effect that a person is not a fit and proper person (unless the decision is required by virtue of paragraph (3) of that regulation);

Regulation 59(1) MLR 2017, to refuse to register an applicant;

Regulation 60 MLR 2017, to suspend or cancel the registration of a registered person;

Regulation 76 MLR 2017, to impose a penalty or publish a censuring statement;

Regulation 78(2) MLR 2017, to impose a prohibition.

Regulation 25(2) MLR 2017, to issue a direction;

Tribunal

Regulation 99(5) MLR 2017 states that for the purpose of an appeal under this regulation, the meaning of “tribunal” is as defined in section 82 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/23/section/82).

Tribunals relating to supervisory matters previously followed the Value Added Tax (VAT) tribunal (VAT and duties tribunals were established under Schedule 12 to the Value Added Tax Act 1994), but this was amended in 2009 when the tax tribunals were streamlined, and the VAT tribunal was replaced by the Tax Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal.

The First-tier Tribunal is split into 7 chambers: War pensions and Armed forces compensation, Social Entitlement, Health Education and Social Care, General Regulatory, Immigration and Asylum, Property and Tax Chamber.

Tribunals relating to Economic Crime– Supervision (EC-S) decisions are dealt with by the Tax Chamber.

Powers of the Tribunal

The tribunal hearing an appeal have the power to:

Quash or vary any decision of HMRC, including the power to reduce any financial penalty to such amount (including nil) as the tribunal thinks appropriate; or

Substitute the tribunal's own decision for any appealed decision.

Timeframe for appeals

Businesses usually have 30 days from the date of the notice of the decision in which to make an appeal.

If the business has requested a review under regulation 95 MLR 2017, an appeal cannot be made until that review is concluded – at which point the business has 30 days in which to make an appeal.

The tribunal may allow out of time appeals where it feels this is appropriate.
Ashro Shipping Ltd: [2024] UKUT 425 (AAC)
Source: gov.uk (2025-01-08)

Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber decision by Judge Mitchell on 12 December 2024

Read the full decision in UA-xx-xxxx-xxxx-T (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677ea1f58ef66f3f5ea397fc/UA-xx-xxxx-xxxx-T.pdf).

Judicial Summary

(1) Where a Traffic Commissioner’s refusal to grant a ‘period of grace’ is integral to the Commissioner’s decision to revoke an operator’s licence, the Commissioner’s reasons must provide some explanation as to why a period of grace was refused. (2) The Office of the Traffic Commissioner’s (OTC) misleadingly restrictive description of the purpose of a public inquiry, given when informing an operator, in a Proposal to Revoke letter / notice under section 27(2) of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, of its right to request an inquiry, rendered the Traffic Commissioner’s subsequent decision to revoke the operator’s licence procedurally unfair.
Ground floor flat, 48 Station Road, Ealing, W7 3JE: LON/00AJ/LSC/2024/0760
Source: gov.uk (2025-08-22)

Residential Property Tribunal decision of Judge H Lumby and Mrs A Flynn on 8 July 2025

Read the full decision in Ground floor flat, 48 Station Road, Ealing, W7 3JE: LON/00AJ/LSC/2024/0760 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/686e27ef10d550c668de3ca9/250708_Decision_in_Ground_Floor_Flat_48_Station_Road_London_W7_3JE_.pdf)
UK and Norway sign historic deal strengthening NATO's northern flank and boosting jobs and growth
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-04)

The Defence Secretary, John Healey, and his Norwegian counterpart, Tore O. Sandvik, today signed an historic agreement to enhance the strategic partnership between the UK and Norway

Prime Minister visited BAE Scotstoun to meet the team who helped to land the biggest ever warship export deal worth £10bn - supporting over 4,000 UK jobs and delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.

Comes as the Defence Secretary and his Norwegian counterpart signed the deal today in Stavanger, Norway.

Deal cements deep strategic partnership and will boost national defence through strengthened security in North Sea, Baltic Sea, and High North.

UK and European security was bolstered today following the signing of a new deal for Norway to purchase at least five Type 26 frigates from British shipbuilders, in a move that will create a combined fleet to better counter Russia on NATO’s northern flank.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited BAE Scotstoun to say thank you to the those who helped get this huge contract to build the cutting-edge vessels, which will support 4,000 jobs across the UK well into the next decade — including 2,000 in Scotland.

The Defence Secretary, John Healey, and his Norwegian counterpart, Tore O. Sandvik, today signed the historic agreement to enhance the strategic partnership between the UK and Norway, strengthening NATO in the region and providing more opportunities for joint training and personnel exchanges between the two nations.

At today’s signing in Norway, the Defence Secretary and the Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik discussed further joint operations through this deepened partnership.

The Defence Secretary also met Norwegian Navy recruits undergoing basic training who will in future likely serve on the Type 26 frigates built under this agreement.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

This deal will support thousands of UK jobs for many years to come and boosts our strategic partnership with Norway.

Our close bonds are built on a shared geography and history, and this deal will see our navies work as one, creating a combined fleet to defend NATO’s northern flank and strengthen our deterrence against Russian aggression.

The programme is also expected to support 432 business, including 222 small and medium enterprises, across the UK.

The £10 billion deal delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change – creating jobs, driving growth and protecting national security for working people. It is a striking vote of confidence in the UK’s world-class shipbuilding industry.
HMRC Directions under regulations 3 and 10 of the Income and Corporation Taxes (Electronic Communications) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/282)
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-28)

Relief for Research and Development (R&D) including claim notifications, additional information and amendments to company tax returns containing an R&D Claim.

These directions apply in relation to the delivery of:
- a claim notification under section 1142A of the Corporation Tax Act 2009 (a ‘claim notification’)
- additional information under paragraph 83EA of Schedule 18 to the Finance Act 1998 (‘additional information’)
- a notification under section 1112J(4)(b) of the Corporation Tax Act 2009 (a ‘Chapter 2 relief notification’)
- an amendment to a company tax return containing an R&D claim within the meaning of section 1142B of the Corporation Tax Act 2009 before or after that amendment (an ‘R&D amendment’)