Customer News

The Design Review Panel provides independent design and architecture advice to the Council on planning applications and development proposals that could significantly affect Hackney’s urban design.

We’ve asked Iriss to carry out a survey about the Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) Supported Year, which was introduced across Scotland in October 2024. This first year in practice is designed to give new social workers the support they need to grow in confidence and skills, helping to build a strong future for social work in Scotland.

The Mortgage Works is cutting rates on selected buy-to-let products by up to 0.20 percentage points. The new rates will be effective from tomorrow, 18 November.

Leaders from across the Thames Valley are progressing plans to pursue a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) for the region, a new combined authority made up of a number of council areas, which would be led by a directly elected mayor.

Full Council has agreed to adopt a new preferred option for the revised Local Plan. The plan identifies the district’s principal settlements as the focus for future growth and makes provision for the potential establishment of up to two new settlements, subject to further assessment and consultation.   

1nhaler, a Scotland-based drug delivery device developer, has secured an additional £1.5 million in seed funding to drive development of its novel pop-up cardboard dry powder inhaler (DPI).

‘Hotshot’ thermal imaging cameras to help prevent delays on South Western Railway

• South Western Railway and Network Rail collaboration sees innovative year-long trial of thermal imaging cameras to help prevent delays
• Two cameras have been fitted to a South Western Railway train, now named ‘Hotshot’, to monitor tracks in London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and Dorset
• Faults that the Hotshot train will help detect can otherwise typically cause around 200 minutes of delays
• The project has been designed, managed and funded by Angel Trains

Forest of Dean District Council’s street wardens were honoured at the annual RSPCA PawPrints Awards, scooping a platinum for Stray Dog Services and a bronze for Contingency Planning.   

Passengers are asked to plan ahead this Christmas and New Year as vital upgrades are delivered for a more reliable railway

Passengers are asked to plan ahead this Christmas and New Year as vital upgrades are delivered for a more reliable railway

• Rail safety education becomes mandatory in PSHE curriculum in England from September 2026
• Switched On rail safety website relaunched with enhanced, age-appropriate resources for school pupils from ages 3 - 16
• New materials added including resources to help tackle the influence of dangerous social media trends and peer pressure encouraging bad behaviour on or near railways

Enhances Overall Safety Performance for FPSO Inspections

More than 1,700 low-income households in Islington are now getting automatic discounts on their water bills – saving hundreds of pounds a year – thanks to a new data-sharing scheme. 

The Elgin Neighbourhood Board, in partnership with Moray Council, is inviting residents to contribute their views on the future of Cooper Park as part of the development of an updated Masterplan.

TransPennine Express (TPE) brought smiles and inspiration to Oasis Academy in Salford, as the team introduced Year 7 and 8 students to the exciting world of rail careers.

• Thames Valley leaders progressing plans to pursue a mayoral strategic authority
• Shared ambition to secure new powers and funding set out in expression of interest letter to government 

The BPA recognises the worrying cases highlighted in the BBC investigation into the criminal gangs targeting goods transported by lorry. It exposed the serious safety and security challenges faced at freight parking sites.

We believe this report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for consistent, high-quality standards in freight vehicle parking and driver welfare.

A free event celebrating intangible cultural heritage (ICH) will take place at St Fagans National Museum of History on Thursday 20 November.

• Bountiful Cow, part of the7stars media group, wins the strategic media planning and buying contract for an initial three-year term
• Appointment follows a competitive pitch process involving six agencies, including the incumbent
• New partner selected for strategic thought leadership, media expertise, and a strong passion for public transport and community-focused campaigns

E.ON’s Connell Parker was nominated for the STEM Trailblazer Award at the Young Energy Professionals (YEP) Awards 2025, recognising his innovative work in digital technology and his passion for driving sustainability through tech.