Consultation launched on unlimited fines for the worst polluters
The Environment Agency has launched a consultation on changes to variable monetary penalties – financial penalties that can be imposed for certain environmental offences. The consultation will run for eight weeks and will close on 8 October. The consultation seeks views on when penalties are used, how they are calculated and the appeals process. This follows the government announcing […]
Small businesses benefitting more than ever from government business
Small businesses won a record-breaking amount of government work, new figures released by the Cabinet Office revealed. The new figures, which underline the government’s commitment to helping SMEs benefit from government contracts show that UK small businesses received £21 billion worth of work in 2021/22. This equates to around £3.8k per British small business. Read […]
AI to help UK industries cut carbon emissions on path to net zero
Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform the way industries cut their carbon emissions thanks to a multi-million-pound government investment. Twelve green AI initiatives will receive a share of £1 million to decarbonise and boost generation of renewable energy, contributing to reaching the country’s ambitious net zero goal by 2050. Read the full story
ULEZ car and motorcycle scrappage scheme
The Mayor of London’s scrappage scheme provides financial assistance to help eligible Londoners receiving Child Benefit, or certain low income or disability benefits, scrap non-compliant cars, motorcycles and wheelchair accessible vehicles to prepare for the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) from 29 August 2023. From 21 August 2023, we will be removing […]
NHS braced for further disruption during latest junior doctor strike
The NHS is facing another period of significant disruption this week, with potentially thousands more appointments and procedures postponed due to the latest round of industrial action by junior doctors. From 7am on Friday 11 August until 7am on Tuesday 15 August, junior doctors across England will be on strike, as the NHS enters the […]
£6 million to improve air quality in local communities
Local authorities across England can now apply for a share of £6 million of government funding to deliver projects to improve air quality. The annual Air Quality Grant helps councils develop and implement measures to benefit schools, businesses and communities and reduce the impact of air pollution on people’s health. Since 2010, more than £53 […]
Hundreds of thousands of heat network customers to benefit from fairer energy prices
Hundreds of thousands of heat network customers could benefit from fairer energy prices under new plans unveiled by government. Under the proposals, homes and businesses supplied by heat networks would receive greater consumer protections currently only afforded to those on traditional gas and electricity contracts. This would ensure fairer prices through their inclusion in a […]
Mayor announces massive expansion of scrappage scheme to all Londoners
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has annouced expanding the ULEZ London-wide was a difficult decision but that he remains committed to pushing ahead on 29 August in order to save lives, protect children’s lungs and tackle the climate emergency. The Mayor has stated he is not prepared to step back, delay or water down the […]
London reaches major milestone with more than 1,000 zero emission buses
The capital has now passed a major milestone of more than 1,000 zero emission buses picking up customers on the city’s streets, with the 1,000th zero emission bus being normally used on route 204. This means that more than one in nine of the iconic red buses have now gone green. Since 2021, all new […]
Grant applications open for community groups to further boost walking and cycling levels among Londoners of all backgrounds
Transport for London has announced that applications are open for more than £500,000 of grants for community and not-for-profit groups that encourage people to walk and cycle. Walking and Cycling Grants London aims to enable more people to walk and cycle, addressing the barriers that prevent people from getting active and helping to make London […]