Last week, Councillors agreed at Education, Children and Families Committee that the Scottish Government guidance on school uniform will apply to all City of Edinburgh Council schools.
In line with the decision, schools in the city should not require branded school items as a compulsory part of their uniform policy. Uniform policies should be flexible and include plain and non-branded uniform items that match school colours. Blazers and branded items of uniform will no longer be compulsory, encouraged or promoted by schools.
Schools in Edinburgh will continue to have uniforms but parents and carers will have wider choice on where they choose to purchase school uniform items and on how much they wish to spend.
In recent years the cost of school uniform has steadily increased and for some families, uniform costs, especially for higher priced branded and embroidered items, represent a significant impact on household budgets. Schools are expected to do all that they can to limit school clothing costs for families.
In line with this new guidance, parents or carers should not be directed to specialist suppliers to purchase branded items.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said:
We are committed to tackling poverty and inequality in our schools and it is clear that the cost of school uniform items has, for some, created a barrier to school education. One of the ways we are addressing this is by removing the need for parents and carers to be compelled to spend more money than is necessary on school uniform.
The Scottish Government guidance makes clear the rationale behind the new approach to school uniforms. It is the right thing to do make changes that will have a positive financial impact on families by reducing the cost of the school day, while also creating a more inclusive school environment and promoting sustainability. I am pleased that members of the Education, Children and Families Committee have agreed this positive step forward which is focused on supporting all pupils to come to school feeling comfortable, confident and ready to learn.
The Leader of Leeds City Council and the Mayor of West Yorkshire have welcomed government plans to bring together local communities, civil servants, and frontline workers in Leeds and the wider region to have a greater voice in shaping and testing national policy.
As a part of the next phase of the Government’s plan to transform public services and deliver its ‘Plan for Change’, three key locations; Leeds, Sheffield, and Darlington, will use thematic campuses to focus on different government policy missions and solve major challenges facing communities.
Working hand in hand with local mayoral combined authorities and public service providers, the Community Mission Challenge pilot programme aims to draw together civil servants and frontline workers with a cross section of expertise, skills, and experience from departments such as teaching and the NHS, to have a greater impact on shaping and testing new government policy locally.
Once proved successful, these solutions and ways of working can then be scaled up across other parts of the UK to accelerate delivery of the missions nationally.
The pilot programme follows a recent government announcement that will see thousands of civil servants located outside London, with the aim of bringing central government closer to the people it serves.
Under the plans, Leeds will focus on the Government’s health mission, while Sheffield will focus on opportunity, and Darlington on growth.
Leeds already has a reputation for innovation in health and social care through its comprehensive Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Inclusive Growth Strategy, and its introduction of the Marmot city partnership. Coupled with a cutting-edge health technology and research sector, and its expansive voluntary and community organisations and anchor networks already working in close partnership with the local authority, the city has a wealth of experience in health innovation.
The Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: “We are delighted that Leeds civil servants will take a leading role in delivering the Government’s health mission. This aligns with our local health and wellbeing strategy, which aims to improve the health of the poorest fastest.
“Leeds is a growing, diverse and ambitious city with well-established neighbourhood networks run by the voluntary and community sector and large anchor organisations working in partnership with the local authority, and a wealth of frontline expertise which will really benefit this new initiative.
“As a city, we have a hard-won reputation for innovation, especially within the health and social care sector, so we are perfectly suited to focus on the health mission which has been entrusted to the city.
“We look forward to playing a significant role in helping to shape national policy and to bringing central government closer to our community.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This government understands that to achieve its missions and rebuild public services, it needs to listen to those who know their areas best.
“Frontline workers and civil servants across the North of England stand ready to help the government understand the challenges and deliver the change that’s needed to grow our economy and put more money in people’s pockets.
“Home to a thriving network of over 300 health tech companies, three innovative universities and the largest teaching hospital in Europe, it’s only fitting that Leeds will lead the way on transforming the NHS and the health of our communities across the UK.”
Plans for the scheme will continue to be drawn up throughout the summer with the programme expected to start work in the autumn. A new secondment scheme between government and local authorities is also being developed with people in both central and local government able to participate.
Visionary CEO recognized for bold leadership, strategic growth, accelerated AI innovation and long-term stakeholder value creation
BURLINGTON, Mass., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Progress Software (Nasdaq: PRGS), the trusted provider of AI-powered digital experience and infrastructure software, today announced that CEO Yogesh Gupta has been named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 New England Award winner by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US). The prestigious program recognizes visionary leaders of companies who are driving innovation, accelerating growth and creating lasting impact for future generations.
Since joining Progress in 2016, Gupta has driven significant growth and transformation at the company. Under his leadership, Progress has more than doubled in size, completed five strategic acquisitions—including the landmark 2024 purchase of ShareFile, the company’s largest acquisition to date—and successfully executed its Total Growth Strategy, focusing on innovation, disciplined mergers and acquisitions, and customer retention. Gupta’s foresight in navigating market shifts, especially in AI, has positioned Progress ahead of the curve, consistently delivering value to a global client base that includes over 75% of the Fortune 500.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from EY,” said Gupta. “Entrepreneurship is about more than building a business—it’s about building a future. I’m proud to lead a company that innovates not only in technology but also invests in people, communities and purpose.”
Gupta’s entrepreneurial approach is shaped by a personal journey defined by resilience, ambition and a deep belief in innovation’s power. Since becoming CEO, he has cultivated a culture of agility, strategic risk-taking and operational excellence across the organization. Progress has achieved record revenues and doubled its global workforce from 1,500 to 3,000 employees during his tenure. Renowned for his sharp business insight and people-centric leadership, Gupta actively mentors employees and engages with teams worldwide, fostering a culture grounded in excellence, teamwork, respect and sustainable value creation.
Gupta was chosen by an independent panel of past winners, top CEOs and business leaders. Judges assessed candidates on long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven commitment and significant growth and impact.
As a New England award winner, he is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 National Awards. The National Award winners, including the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced in November 2025.
About Entrepreneur Of The Year Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally. The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.
About Progress Software Progress Software (Nasdaq: PRGS) empowers organizations to achieve transformational success in the face of disruptive change. Our software enables our customers to develop, deploy and manage responsible AI-powered applications and digital experiences with agility and ease. Customers get a trusted provider in Progress, with the products, expertise and vision they need to succeed. Over 4 million developers and technologists at hundreds of thousands of enterprises depend on Progress. Learn more at www.progress.com.
Progress is a trademark or registered trademark of Progress Software Corporation and/or its subsidiaries or affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Any other names contained herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Press Contacts: Kim Baker Progress Software +1-800-477-6473 pr@progress.com
Visionary CEO recognized for bold leadership, strategic growth, accelerated AI innovation and long-term stakeholder value creation
BURLINGTON, Mass., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Progress Software (Nasdaq: PRGS), the trusted provider of AI-powered digital experience and infrastructure software, today announced that CEO Yogesh Gupta has been named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 New England Award winner by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US). The prestigious program recognizes visionary leaders of companies who are driving innovation, accelerating growth and creating lasting impact for future generations.
Since joining Progress in 2016, Gupta has driven significant growth and transformation at the company. Under his leadership, Progress has more than doubled in size, completed five strategic acquisitions—including the landmark 2024 purchase of ShareFile, the company’s largest acquisition to date—and successfully executed its Total Growth Strategy, focusing on innovation, disciplined mergers and acquisitions, and customer retention. Gupta’s foresight in navigating market shifts, especially in AI, has positioned Progress ahead of the curve, consistently delivering value to a global client base that includes over 75% of the Fortune 500.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from EY,” said Gupta. “Entrepreneurship is about more than building a business—it’s about building a future. I’m proud to lead a company that innovates not only in technology but also invests in people, communities and purpose.”
Gupta’s entrepreneurial approach is shaped by a personal journey defined by resilience, ambition and a deep belief in innovation’s power. Since becoming CEO, he has cultivated a culture of agility, strategic risk-taking and operational excellence across the organization. Progress has achieved record revenues and doubled its global workforce from 1,500 to 3,000 employees during his tenure. Renowned for his sharp business insight and people-centric leadership, Gupta actively mentors employees and engages with teams worldwide, fostering a culture grounded in excellence, teamwork, respect and sustainable value creation.
Gupta was chosen by an independent panel of past winners, top CEOs and business leaders. Judges assessed candidates on long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven commitment and significant growth and impact.
As a New England award winner, he is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 National Awards. The National Award winners, including the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced in November 2025.
About Entrepreneur Of The Year Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally. The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.
About Progress Software Progress Software (Nasdaq: PRGS) empowers organizations to achieve transformational success in the face of disruptive change. Our software enables our customers to develop, deploy and manage responsible AI-powered applications and digital experiences with agility and ease. Customers get a trusted provider in Progress, with the products, expertise and vision they need to succeed. Over 4 million developers and technologists at hundreds of thousands of enterprises depend on Progress. Learn more at www.progress.com.
Progress is a trademark or registered trademark of Progress Software Corporation and/or its subsidiaries or affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Any other names contained herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Press Contacts: Kim Baker Progress Software +1-800-477-6473 pr@progress.com
Human rights violators should not be platformed in sport.
More in Human Rights
UEFA must go further than allowing Belarus to play behind closed doors, and ban them from competing while the country continues to violate human rights and enable Russian war crimes, say Scottish Greens.
Scotland fans will not be able to attend the World Cup qualifier game in Hungary this September, because UEFA decided that Belarus matches must be played on ‘neutral’ grounds and behind closed doors due to their ongoing support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP wrote to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin earlier this month, urging the football body to ban Belarus from all competitions.
“UEFA rightly banned Russia for their criminal domestic and international record, and they must follow suit with those countries who enable war and have a shocking history of human rights violations, like Belarus does.
“The continued participation of Belarusian sports teams in UEFA competitions flies in the face of the organisation’s own supposed values, particularly its RESPECT campaign, which promotes fairness, dignity and human rights in football.
“Football is a globally uniting sport. UEFA’s platform holds a massive reach, and that can be used as a force for good to show that human rights and peace is the way forward. By allowing Belarus to continue competing, even behind closed doors, it sends the wrong message to the world. They must become a sporting pariah like Russia has become.
“Scotland fans may be disappointed in skipping the game, but morally it is the right thing to do.”
Hundreds of South Africans braved the cold on Wednesday to welcome the national men’s cricket team back on home soil, following their historic victory in the 2025 International Cricket Council’s Test Championship (ICC).
The Proteas won against the then champions Australia, in a thrilling final at Lord’s in England with a five-wicket win on Saturday. This marked South Africa’s first-ever appearance in a World Test Championship Final, and their triumphant performance signalled a landmark achievement for the nation’s cricketing history.
This as Australia, currently ranked number one in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, entered the final as favourites and defending champions.
The Proteas, ranked second, rose to the occasion and delivered a memorable performance, cementing their status as one of the world’s elite test sides.
The cricket team received an electrifying welcome with jubilation, song and dance from supporters, who arrived at OR Tambo International Airport, early on Wednesday morning.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said the team’s win gives the nation hope.
“People should see themselves when they watch our national teams and that is what we are doing in cricket. They are following in the footsteps of rugby. We are a socially cohesive country. We are a rainbow nation and you can see this.
“We are the best sporting nation in the world. We have the strongest women and men in the world. We have the fastest runners, the best soccer players, [and]we have the best rugby players and cricket team,” the Minister said.
The Proteas men’s head coach Shukri Conrad expressed his joy at the welcome the team received at the airport.
“I am absolutely ecstatic to see people come out in their hundreds. It makes this win even more special. We won a few days ago but it hasn’t sunk in. To get a reception like this… it starts to sink in. The guys have been great but the fans have been better,” Conrad said.
The Minister, together with the cricket team, will brief the nation this afternoon on their success. –SAnews.gov.za
A new scheme on the Isle of Wight is helping to protect local wildlife while supporting carefully planned development.
The Isle of Wight Council has partnered with 11 other planning authorities across the south to take part in the NatureSpace District Licensing Scheme, a nationally recognised conservation programme.
The initiative aims to safeguard species such as the great crested newt — a legally protected amphibian that has seen significant population declines in recent decades, with habitat loss being the biggest threat.
Although these newts rely on ponds to breed, they spend most of their lives on land, often in woodland, hedgerows, and rough grassland. They are typically found within 500 metres of a pond but can travel much further.
The scheme, which is authorised by Natural England, takes a long-term view, creating, managing and monitoring high-quality habitats in areas where they will have the most benefit — away from development pressures.
These habitats are funded by developers who opt into the scheme and are managed by the Newt Conservation Partnership, which includes experts from the Freshwater Habitats Trust and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
Each site is monitored and maintained for at least 20 years, ensuring a sustainable future for newts and other wildlife.
Katie Ewers, district licensing officer, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Naturespace Partnership, said: “It’s great to have the Isle of Wight Council as part of the District Licensing scheme, joining over 65 other planning authorities nationwide who are both supporting nature recovery and enabling important development.
“Thanks to the commitment of councils across the country taking part in NatureSpace’s District Licensing Scheme, high-quality compensatory habitats are being delivered and vital new havens for great crested newts and other wildlife are being established.”
Ollie Boulter, the council’s strategic manager for planning and infrastructure delivery, said: “This scheme is a great example of how we can support nature recovery as part of developments.
“It allows us to take a more strategic approach to conservation, ensuring that wildlife habitats are protected and enhanced in the right places and for the long term.”
Proposals to support pensioners in Scotland this winter.
All pensioners in Scotland with an income of less than £35,000 will receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payments this winter of either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed. This means pensioners in Scotland will be better off compared to those in the rest of the UK.
Pensioner households with no-one aged 80 or over will receive £203.40, rising to £305.10 for households with someone aged 80 or over.
Following the UK Government’s recent change to winter fuel payments, the Scottish Government will withdraw the current amendment regulations before the Scottish Parliament, which were previously lodged in order to protect pensioners in Scotland against the UK Government’s planned cuts to winter fuel payments.
The move will now see over 720,000 Scottish pensioners benefit.
Ms Somerville said:
“The UK Government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment last winter was a betrayal of millions of pensioners, and their recent U-turn is welcome if belated.
“Following careful consideration of the options available, the Scottish Government will mirror the approach taken by the UK Government. We will bring forward regulations to ensure that, from this winter onwards, all pensioners will receive either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, depending on age.
“We are in discussion with the UK Government to extend the proposed arrangements in England and Wales to recover payments from those pensioners with an individual income of more than £35,000 through the tax system. The intention is that the payment will be recovered automatically, and pensioners will not need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action.
“This approach ensures a higher level of support which those most in need will receive. Over 720,000 Scottish pensioners are estimated to benefit from the higher payment.”
A CURATOR and art director who was instrumental in bringing German expressionism to Leicester is being celebrated with a new book launch in the city.
Hans Hess was born in Erfurt in Germany in 1907, and his family counted artists like Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky amongst their friends. When he was forced out of Germany in the 1930s for being Jewish, he moved to England and, in 1944, he was appointed assistant keeper of art at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery.
The book launch takes place on Saturday 28 June from 5.30pm, and is free to attend, although a ticket is required. The event will be an evening of art, history and insight, with guests able to enjoy exclusive access to the museum’s renowned German Expressionist gallery.
“We are delighted to be hosting this event with Manifesto Press, which will celebrate the works of this renowned curator who had strong links to Leicester,” said head of arts & museums Joanna Jones.
“Hans Hess was a remarkable person. In February 1944, amid the war’s darkest days, he worked with Leicester Museum’s art director Trevor Thomas to curate Mid European Art, a groundbreaking exhibition which introduced Britain to masterpieces by Franz Marc, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, and others – works the Nazis condemned as ‘degenerate.’ In exhibiting these works in 1944, Leicester stood as a beacon of cultural defiance.
“Thanks to our links with the Hess family, the courage of artists and collectors who fled Nazism and the visionary leadership of Trevor Thomas, we are able to celebrate Leicester’s unique status to this day as a global hub for German Expressionism.”
Assistant city mayor for culture, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “Hans Hess’s story is a fantastic and moving one and is also a symbol of what Leicester stands for – we have a long history of welcoming refugees and standing up to discrimination.
“It is wonderful that we are able to celebrate his influence on our city by hosting the launch of his books at the museum he helped to shape.”
Hans Hess’ daughter, Anita Halpin, spent her early years in Leicester. “My father arrived in Leicester after 10 years of uncertainty and trauma,” she said. “Working with Trevor Thomas was the start of a new life for him and his family. He would be extremely pleased and gratified that the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery now has by far the largest collection of German expressionist works in this country.”
The books will be available to purchase at the launch, and a paid bar will be available throughout the evening. To book a ticket, visit Event Details – Leicester Museums
ENDS
Picture shows Rote Frau by Franz Marc, one of the first four works to come to Leicester’s gallery from the Hess family with the 1944 exhibition.
Hosts England will kick off their 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12 while holders New Zealand begin their title defence against the West Indies a day later, the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday.
Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, two-times runners-up South Africa, 2020 finalists India and Pakistan, as well as two teams from the Global Qualifier tournament.
New Zealand, 2009 champions England, Sri Lanka, 2016 winners West Indies and the other two teams from the Global Qualifier are in Group 2.
The top two teams from Group 1 and Group 2 will advance to the semi-finals of the biennial T20 international tournament, which will be contested by 12 teams for the first time.
“World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different – it has the potential to be truly game-changing,” England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said in a statement.
“Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, it’s going to be unmissable. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14.
Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground and Lord’s are the other venues.
Actions designed to attract investment to Grangemouth, support new employment, and position the area as a global leader in green energy and sustainable manufacturing have been published today.
The Grangemouth Industrial Just Transition Plan sets out 21 actions to put Grangemouth at the forefront of green energy and benefit the local community.
Developed in partnership with the Grangemouth Future Industry Board, which includes industry leadership, representatives of the Grangemouth workforce, local community, Falkirk Council and the Scottish and UK Governments, the regional just transition plan is the first of its kind. Actions include:
delivering the £25 million Grangemouth Just Transition Fund – which delivers support for businesses currently operating at the industrial cluster as well as work to establish and attract new investment
creating an industrial skills offer, to ensure that the current and future workforces in the area have the right training and experience to support industry in the area
developing an industry-led technical and commercial investment strategy which includes a decarbonisation pathway to secure investment for scale up
establishing a Grangemouth Regulatory Hub to develop new ways of helping industry operate sustainably and efficiently
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin said:
“As Scotland’s leading industrial cluster, Grangemouth has long played a vital role to our economy and bringing energy security to the country and it is only right that the area continues to help lead the way in our journey to clean, green energy.
“Understandably, the stopping of refining at Grangemouth, has brought uncertainty to people living and working in the area – and it is vital that we do what we can as a government to support and promote local opportunities and growth in the area.
“The Grangemouth Industrial Just Transition Plan will act as the framework for all activity that supports Grangemouth’s transition. It has been developed with industry, the community, public sector partners, Unite the Union and the workforce to ensure it reflects the interests of the community and businesses in the area.
“It is bolstered by measures including our ongoing support for Project Willow, the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal and a targeted skills intervention for former Petroineos workers. However, we cannot do this alone, I am calling on the UK Government to commence positive changes to existing policy that enable the deployment of future commodities like Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in Scotland.”
Principal of Forth Valley College Kenny MacInnes said:
“Grangemouth plays a vital role in Scotland’s economy and is central to our journey to net zero. With our campus situated at the heart of this transition, Forth Valley College is uniquely positioned to support the businesses, workers, and communities navigating the changes ahead.
“Our flagship £4 million Skills Transition Centre, funded through the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, will drive innovation in skills delivery, promote inclusive growth, and align closely with evolving industry needs. It will focus on developing skills for emerging sectors while supporting the transition of key industries such as downstream petroleum, chemicals, and polymers within the Grangemouth cluster.
“The College also remains committed to supporting all Petroineos employees affected by the refinery closure. We are working closely with partners to ensure they can access the training, guidance, and career opportunities they need to move forward.”
Liverpool will begin their Premier League title defence when they host Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15 while last season’s runners-up Arsenal visit Manchester United two days later, England’s top flight said on Wednesday.
Manchester City, who are eyeing a seventh Premier League title under Pep Guardiola after finishing third in the last campaign, take a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers for their season opener on August 16.
Chelsea welcome FA Cup winners Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge on August 17, a day after Thomas Frank has his first Premier League game in charge of Tottenham Hotspur when they host promoted Burnley.
Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou after they finished one place above the relegation zone, despite the Australian leading them to the Europa League title for their first major trophy in 17 years.
Last season’s surprise package Nottingham Forest will host Brentford and League Cup champions Newcastle United take a trip to Aston Villa on August 16.
Another promoted side Sunderland welcome West Ham United the same day, and Leeds United host Everton two days later.
The new season begins with the one fixture on August 15 and concludes on May 24, 2026.
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV vice chairman and Causeway Coast councillor Allister Kyle:
“There has been much speculation in the media ahead of the recent meeting between the University of Ulster and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council about the future of the Riverside Theatre.
“As someone who values the cultural and economic importance of the Riverside, I was deeply disappointed during the meeting to learn—following a direct question I put to University officials — that our council was the only potential funding partner they had approached.
“That simply isn’t good enough.
“It is particularly frustrating given that the Department for Communities’ annual arts funding programme shows over £1.6 million allocated to the Lyric Theatre this year — a venue closely linked to Queen’s University. Why is the Riverside Theatre, which has served this area for decades, not being given similar consideration?
“That’s why I have successfully pushed for the council to write directly to the Minister for Communities, urging them to explore what support the Department can offer to secure the future of the Riverside.
“Our council deserves its fair share. I will continue working to ensure that the Riverside Theatre is not sidelined or left behind.”
Police are asking for the public’s assistance to locate wanted man George Sneddon.
George Sneddon, 26, is wanted for questioning in relation to two attempted arson incidents at Blackwood on the 17 and 18 June and he is believed to be in possession of a firearm.
George Sneddon is of Aboriginal appearance, 175cm tall, heavy build with brown eyes and black hair.
He should not be approached.
If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please call the Police Assistance line on 131 444 immediately or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah said he told India’s cricket board (BCCI) that he did not want to be considered for the test captaincy as his workload has to be carefully managed due to his back problems.
The BCCI picked top-order batter Shubman Gill as captain following Rohit Sharma’s decision to quit the test format last month, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar saying they could not risk burdening Bumrah with a leadership role.
Gill will lead the side in a five-test series against England starting in Leeds on Friday.
“I have discussed about my workloads going forward in a five-test match series, I’ve spoken to the people who have managed my back, I’ve spoken to the surgeon as well,” Bumrah told Sky Sports on Tuesday.
“I came to the conclusion that I have to be a little more smart, so I called the BCCI and said I don’t want to be looked at in a leadership role.”
Bumrah had captained the side in Rohit’s absence in the first two matches of a five-test series in Australia at the end of last year.
But the 31-year-old was then sidelined for three months after sustaining a stress-related back injury during the series finale in Sydney in January.
Bumrah, who was named the ICC men’s cricketer of the year in 2024, has suffered multiple back injuries throughout his career, including one that forced him to have surgery in 2023.
He said the captaincy should not fall to someone who has to manage their workload in a five-test series.
“I had to say no as it’s not fair for the team as well,” he added. “It’s not fair to the team if in a five-test series, three matches somebody else is leading and two matches somebody else is leading.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
YJB response to Women’s and Youth Justice Blueprints statement
The YJB’s response to a Welsh Government statement on the Women’s and Youth Justice Blueprints.
Karin Phillips MBE, YJB Board member for Wales
On 17 June 2025, an oral statement was made in the Senedd by Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Tefnydd and Chief Whip on the Women’s and Youth Justice Blueprints.
Karin Phillips MBE, YJB Board member for Wales, says:
“The Youth Justice Board welcomes the Minister’s statement and the continued commitment of Welsh Government to partnership working in youth justice. The Youth Justice Blueprint has laid strong foundations for a trauma-informed, rights-based system that puts children first – a vision we share at the YJB.
“As we move into a new phase, the YJB remains fully committed to working alongside Welsh Government and all partners to firmly embed the principles of the Blueprint into operational delivery. We will continue to champion early intervention, diversion, and the whole-system approach that has defined this programme.
“The progress made to date has been significant – reducing first-time entrants and promoting community-based alternatives to custody. But we also know that sustaining this progress requires ongoing collaboration, shared accountability, and a relentless focus on the needs and potential of every child.
“This represents a transition into a new chapter – one where we continue to align devolved and non-devolved services and deliver real change for children, victims, and communities across Wales.”
Further information
The Youth Justice Blueprint for Wales was launched in 2019 and outlines a unique justice approach in Wales, emphasising early intervention and prevention. The aim is to address individual needs, divert children from crime, and offer holistic, rehabilitative support to those who enter the criminal justice system.
Supporting those with a history of problematic substance use to enter employment.
Making it easier for people affected by problematic substance use to gain and keep a job is the aim of new toolkits developed to support both employers and employees.
The guidance has been published as part of the Scottish Government’s National Mission and brings a range of information and advice together including:
specialist advice for potential employers on how to attract, recruit and support staff who have experience of problematic substance use
information for people with lived and living experience of problematic substance use on how to pursue a career in the drug and alcohol sector
best practice advice for providing effective support to staff who have lived or living experience of problematic substance use
First Minister John Swinney announced the two new toolkits and guiding principles document during a visit to Harbour in Ayrshire.
Harbour is a third sector organisation in Ayrshire which supports people affected by substance use to focus on personal growth and employability that was involved in developing the guidance.
Mr Swinney said:
“People who have real experience of substance use offer a wealth of knowledge which can be of huge benefit to others who have faced similar challenges to theirs.
“These toolkits will give employers the guidance they need to support people into the workforce and give guidance to people with lived and living experience on how to pursue careers.
“Being at Harbour, to see first-hand the impact people with lived experience can have and the transformational effect that employment has on their own lives, has been inspiring and I know that introducing these toolkits and guiding principles across Scotland will benefit so many others.
“This guidance forms part of the Scottish Government’s £250 million National Mission, which aims to reduce harm and deaths from drugs and improve the lives of all those affected.”
Eddie Gorman, Project Manager at Harbour, said:
“These resources offer practical guidance grounded in lived experience and will be vital in helping organisations create safer, more inclusive support for those affected by trauma, addiction, and adversity.
“They provide a clear framework to build trust, foster resilience, and ultimately support people to rebuild their lives.”
Views are being sought on proposals which would see Scotland’s offshore wind ambition increased to up to 40 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity by 2040 – enough to power the equivalent of around 45 million homes a year.
Scotland’s current offshore wind capacity ambition is between 8 – 11 GW by 2030 and the new figure seeks to reaffirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to growing the offshore wind sector – giving certainty to investors.
As well as supporting national climate targets, the increase being consulted upon reflects significant private sector interest in the ScotWind and the Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) seabed leasing rounds.
The success of these leasing rounds symbolises the enormous economic potential of offshore wind and puts Scotland at the forefront of development globally.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin announced the opening of the consultation at the Global Offshore Wind Forum in London.
Ms Martin said: “Scotland’s offshore wind sector is already creating significant opportunities, delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country.
“As a result we need to update our ambition for offshore wind to reflect and firmly underline our commitment to economic growth and investment offered by the sector.
“I would urge everyone with an interest in offshore wind to have a say in the consultation.”
The updated GW ambition will take into account the updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE) which is currently out for consultation. Once finalised, the SMP-OWE will set out a road-map for the sustainable development of the ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds.
The estimate that 40GW equates to enough energy to power 45 million homes assumes offshore wind capacity in 2040 will operate at load factors according to the previous five-year average. It also assumes median domestic consumption in Scotland at 2023 levels.
Small Edinburgh charities struggling with rising costs and loss of income are being encouraged to apply to the council for emergency support.
Brought forward by councillors as part of an urgent package of support for the city’s third sector, the £275,000 funding pot aims to support local organisations working to prevent and tackle poverty across Edinburgh.
Small and medium-sized charities based in the city will be able to apply for Phase two of the council’s Third Sector Resilience Fund until applications close at 1pm on Friday 4 July. Grants of up to £10,000 will be made available to support charities between September and March.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:
With funding becoming ever scarcer and more people struggling with the cost of living, we can see that many local charities are in a difficult position. We need to find a better way forward for this sector that brings so much good, and our latest funding package is part of the urgent support we’re putting in place.
Many of the city’s small, local charities are helping those with the greatest need and I urge them to apply quickly. Meanwhile, we’ve asked the Edinburgh Partnership to conduct a review of how it supports and works with third sector organisations across the city, to ultimately to find long-term solutions for funding for the sector in future years.
An information evening for interested charities will be held by EVOC at 1pm on 24 June on how to apply for the fund. An online consultation is also available to take part in, seeking ideas for making collaboration between Edinburgh’s public and third sectors simpler and more stable. Please share your views on our Consultation Hub.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
SPC AC 180554
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1254 AM CDT Wed Jun 18 2025
Valid 191200Z – 201200Z
…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM PARTS OF NEW ENGLAND INTO THE MID ATLANTIC AND NORTH CAROLINA…
…SUMMARY… Strong to potentially severe thunderstorms are forecast on Thursday from parts of New England into the Mid Atlantic and Carolinas.
…Synopsis… A seasonably deep mid/upper-level trough is forecast to move from the lower Great Lakes region into the Northeast and Mid Atlantic on Thursday. A surface low will move across parts of Quebec during the day and evening, as a trailing cold front moves across parts of New England, the Mid Atlantic, and Carolinas/Southeast.
An upstream midlevel shortwave trough will move across parts of northern MN into WI and upper MI by evening. An amplified mid/upper-level trough will move gradually eastward across the western CONUS, as an upper-level ridge initially over the southern Rockies begins to break down and shift eastward. In response to this trough, a surface low will gradually deepen across the northern High Plains.
…New England into the Mid Atlantic/Southeast… Relatively rich low-level moisture will stream northward ahead of the front approaching New England and the Mid Atlantic during the day on Thursday. Moderate buoyancy may develop as far north as northern NY/VT, with pockets of stronger heating/destabilization farther south into the Mid Atlantic and Carolinas/Southeast.
The strongest deep-layer flow/shear is still expected from PA/northern NJ northward into New England, where wind profiles will be conditionally supportive of supercells and organized bowing segments. Damaging winds and perhaps a tornado could accompany the strongest storms in this area.
Farther south into the southern Mid Atlantic and Carolinas, deep-layer flow will be somewhat unidirectional and weaker, but still sufficient for some organized convection. Clusters capable of producing scattered wind damage will be possible, especially in areas where stronger diurnal heating/destabilization occurs.
Deep-layer flow will be rather weak into parts of MS/AL/GA/SC, but the glancing influence of the mid/upper-level trough and relatively large MLCAPE and PW will support storms capable of producing isolated strong/damaging gusts.
…Southwest MT and vicinity… Weak midlevel height falls are still expected across parts of western MT Thursday afternoon/evening, in response to the approaching mid/upper-level trough. Low-level moisture will remain limited, but strong diurnal heating will support high-based storm development. Steep low-level lapse rates and relatively strong midlevel flow will result in potential for isolated severe gusts during the afternoon and evening as convection spreads eastward.
…Upper Midwest… Low-level warm advection related to the southeastward-moving midlevel shortwave trough may aid in storm development on Thursday from northern MN into parts of WI and upper MI. Moderate instability and sufficient deep-layer shear will support potential for a few stronger cells/clusters capable of producing large hail and damaging wind. Additional strong to locally severe storms may redevelop later Thursday night across parts of this region, in response to a nocturnally strengthening low-level jet.
…Northern Plains… Diurnal heating of an increasingly moist airmass will result in moderate to strong buoyancy across parts of the northern Plains by Thursday afternoon. Deep-layer shear will be sufficient for organized storms, but diurnal storm development remains highly uncertain amid background midlevel height rises associated with a building ridge. Development of a storm or two cannot be ruled out through evening near a surface trough/weak dryline. Elevated storm coverage may increase somewhat Thursday night in response to a strengthening low-level jet, which could pose a threat of hail and localized strong gusts.
..Dean.. 06/18/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
UK House Price Index for April 2025
The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
1000 Words/Shutterstock.com
The April data shows:
on average, house prices have fallen 2.8% since March 2025
there has been an annual price rise of 3.5% which makes the average property in the UK valued at £265,000
England
In England the April data shows, on average, house prices fell by 3.7% since March 2025. The annual price rise of 3% takes the average property value to £286,000.
London experienced the most significant monthly increase with a movement of 2.6%
The North East saw the biggest monthly price fall, with a reduction of -8.1%
The North East experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 6.4%
The South West saw the lowest annual price growth, with a rise of 0.9%
The regional data for England indicates that:
Price change by region for England
Region
Average price April 2025
Annual change % since April 2024
Monthly change % since March 2025
East Midlands
£237,000
3.8
-3.6
East of England
£332,000
2
-3.8
London
£567,000
3.3
2.6
North East
£156,000
6.4
-8.1
North West
£205,000
3.1
-6.4
South East
£380,000
3
-2
South West
£301,000
0.9
-3.8
West Midlands
£240,000
2.6
-4.6
Yorkshire and the Humber
£200,000
4
-6.1
Repossession sales by volume for England
The lowest number of repossession sales in February 2025 was in the South West.
The highest number of repossession sales in February 2025 was in the North East.
Repossession sales
February 2025
East Midlands
5
East of England
2
London
10
North East
22
North West
9
South East
10
South West
1
West Midlands
11
Yorkshire and the Humber
9
England
79
Average price by property type for England
Property type
April 2025
April 2024
Difference %
Detached
£467,000
£447,000
4.5
Semi-detached
£283,000
£270,000
4.7
Terraced
£234,000
£229,000
2.2
Flat/maisonette
£222,000
£223,000
-0.4
All
£286,000
£278,000
3
Funding and buyer status for England
Transaction type
Average price
April 2025
Annual price change % since April 2024
Monthly price change % since March 2025
Cash
£272,000
2.2
-4
Mortgage
£292,000
3.4
-3.5
First-time buyer
£239,000
2.7
-4.7
Former owner occupier
£350,000
3.5
-2.4
Building status for England
Building status*
Average price February 2025
Annual price change % since February 2024
Monthly price change % since January 2025
New build
£446,000
26.5
12.1
Existing resold property
£286,000
4.3
0.5
*Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.
London
London shows, on average, house prices increased by 2.6% since March 2025. House prices have shown an annual price increase of 3.3% meaning the average price of a property is £567,000.
Average price by property type for London
Property type
April 2025
April 2024
Difference %
Detached
£1,189,000
£1,108,000
7.3
Semi-detached
£729,000
£680,000
7.2
Terraced
£638,000
£609,000
4.8
Flat/maisonette
£449,000
£445,000
0.9
All
£567,000
£548,000
3.3
Funding and buyer status for London
Transaction type
Average price
Apr 2025
Annual price change % since April 2024
Monthly price change % since March 2025
Cash
£617,000
3.5
5.4
Mortgage
£556,000
3.3
1.8
First-time buyer
£481,000
2.2
0.9
Former owner occupier
£716,000
1.2
5.4
Building status for London
Building status*
Average price February 2025
Annual price change % since February 2024
Monthly price change % since January 2025
New build
£596,000
19.1
10.3
Existing resold property
£555,000
1.2
-1.3
*Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.
Wales
Wales shows, on average, house prices rose by 0.3% since March 2025. An annual price increase of 5.3% takes the average property value to £210,000.
There were 5 repossession sales for Wales in February 2025.
Average price by property type for Wales
Property type
April 2025
April 2024
Difference %
Detached
£330,000
£313,000
5.5
Semi-detached
£211,000
£197,000
7.1
Terraced
£166,000
£159,000
4.9
Flat/maisonette
£128,000
£128,000
-0.1
All
£210,000
£200,000
5.3
Funding and buyer status for Wales
Transaction type
Average price April 2025%
Annual price change % since April 2024
Monthly price change % since March 2025
Cash
£208,000
4
-0.4
Mortgage
£211,000
5.9
0.6
First-time buyer
£180,000
5.5
-0.3
Former owner occupier
£251,000
5.1
1
Building status for Wales
Building status*
Average price
February 2025
Annual price change % since February 2024
Monthly price change % since January 2025
New build
£377,000
25.6
10.8
Existing resold property
£204,000
3.4
-0.6
*Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.
UK house prices
UK house prices rose by 3.5% in the year to April 2025, down from the revised estimate of 7% in the 12 months to March 2025. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK decreased by 2.7% between March 2025 and April 2025, compared with a increase of 0.5% from the same period 12 months ago (March 2024 and April 2024).
The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in April 2025, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 65,000. This is 28% lower than a year ago (April 2024). Between March 2025 and April 2025, UK transactions decreased by 63.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis.
The highest house price monthly increase was in London, where prices rose by 2.6% since March 2025. The highest annual growth was in the the North East, where prices increased by 6.4% in the year to April 2025.
The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.
We publish the UK House Price Index (HPI) on the second or third Wednesday of each month with Northern Ireland figures updated quarterly. We will publish the May 2025 UK HPI at 9:30am on Wednesday 16 July 2025. See the calendar of release dates.
We have made some changes to improve the accuracy of the UK HPI. We are not publishing average price and percentage change for new builds and existing resold property as done previously because there are not currently enough new build transactions to provide a reliable result. This means that in this month’s UK HPI reports, new builds and existing resold property are reported in line with the sales volumes currently available.
The UK HPI revision period has been extended to 13 months, following a review of the revision policy (see calculating the UK HPI section 4.4). This ensures the data used is more comprehensive.
Sales volume data is available by property status (new build and existing property) and funding status (cash and mortgage) in our downloadable data tables. Transactions that require us to create a new register, such as new builds, are more complex and require more time to process. Read revisions to the UK HPI data.
Revision tables are available for England and Wales within the downloadable data in CSV format. See about the UK HPI for more information.
HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Valuation Office Agency supply data for the UK HPI.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency calculate the UK HPI. It applies a hedonic regression model that uses the various sources of data on property price, including HM Land Registry’s Price Paid Dataset, and attributes to produce estimates of the change in house prices each month. Find out more about the methodology used from the ONS and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
We take the UK Property Transaction statistics from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. The number of property transactions in the UK is highly seasonal, with more activity in the summer months and less in the winter. This regular annual pattern can sometimes mask the underlying movements and trends in the data series. HMRC presents the UK aggregate transaction figures on a seasonally adjusted basis. We make adjustments for both the time of year and the construction of the calendar, including corrections for the position of Easter and the number of trading days in a particular month.
UK HPI seasonally adjusted series are calculated at regional and national levels only. See data tables.
The first estimate for new build average price (April 2016 report) was based on a small sample which can cause volatility. A three-month moving average has been applied to the latest estimate to remove some of this volatility.
The UK HPI reflects the final transaction price for sales of residential property. Using the geometric mean, it covers purchases at market value for owner-occupation and buy-to-let, excluding those purchases not at market value (such as re-mortgages), where the ‘price’ represents a valuation.
HM Land Registry provides information on residential property transactions for England and Wales, collected as part of the official registration process for properties that are sold for full market value.
The HM Land Registry dataset contains the sale price of the property, the date when the sale was completed, full address details, the type of property (detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat), if it is a newly built property or an established residential building and a variable to indicate if the property has been purchased as a financed transaction (using a mortgage) or as a non-financed transaction (cash purchase).
Repossession sales data is based on the number of transactions lodged with HM Land Registry by lenders exercising their power of sale.
For England, we show repossession sales volume recorded by government office region. For Wales, we provide repossession sales volume for the number of repossession sales.
Repossession sales data is available from April 2016 in CSV format. Find out more information about repossession sales.
We publish CSV files of the raw and cleansed aggregated data every month for England, Scotland and Wales. We publish Northern Ireland data on a quarterly basis. They are available for free use and re-use under the Open Government Licence.
HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. Its vision is: “A world-leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future.”
HM Land Registry’s purpose is: “We protect your land ownership and provide services and data that underpin an efficient and informed property market.”
HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion, enabling over £1 trillion worth of personal and commercial lending to be secured against property across England and Wales. The Land Register contains more than 26.5 million titles showing evidence of ownership for more than 89% of the land mass of England and Wales.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Lesley Cowley OBE appointed as Chair of Building Digital UK
Lesley Cowley OBE has been appointed by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle to chair Building Digital UK (BDUK).
Lesley Cowley OBE has been appointed by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle to chair Building Digital UK (BDUK) – the government agency responsible for rolling out fast and reliable broadband and mobile coverage to hard-to-reach places across the UK.
The British businesswoman is widely regarded as an accomplished leader in the digital and technology sectors, offering decades of experience leading a variety of public services and businesses.
The role will see Lesley advise and support BDUK’s executive team on the delivery of BDUK’s two main programmes: Project Gigabit, the government’s rollout of lightning-fast broadband to areas that would otherwise be stuck with slower speeds, and the Shared Rural Network, a joint programme with mobile network operators to boost 4G mobile coverage in rural communities all over the country.
Chair of BDUK Lesley Cowley OBE said:
It is a privilege to join Building Digital UK at such a pivotal moment in its journey. The challenge of ensuring every corner of the UK benefits from fast, reliable digital infrastructure is one I am deeply passionate about.
BDUK is a critical enabler of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, helping to grow the economy while ensuring communities are not left behind in the digital age. Working alongside the talented team at BDUK, we will continue to deliver on our mission of creating a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered nation.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:
Lesley’s commitment to making a positive difference to public facing services, together with her track record in leading digital transformation and delivering innovative solutions, make her an outstanding choice for Chair of Building Digital UK.
She will be instrumental in helping us deliver on our growth mission, by continuing to drive forward our ambitious plans for better connectivity across the every part of UK, making communities and businesses better off.
Lesley will take up the post on 1 July 2025, taking over from Hazel Hobbs who has served as interim Chair since August 2024.
Her previous executive career culminated in her role as Chief Executive Officer of Nominet, the .uk domain name registry, where for over a decade she led significant growth and evolution from a technical organisation into a key player in the global internet space. She was appointed OBE in recognition of her services to the internet and digital economy.
In her subsequent career, Lesley was the first Chair of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Chair of Companies House and Lead Non-Executive Director and then first ever Chair of The National Archives. Her current roles include Chair of ACL Ltd and a Non-Executive Director of Public Digital Ltd., both private companies.
She was the Institute of Directors UK NED of the Year Winner, 2019 and has a strong track record of driving technology transformation and customer-first approaches.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Chair appointment
The appointment is for a term of three years.
Building Digital UK
Building Digital UK (BDUK) is an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It is responsible for the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband and the expansion of 4G mobile coverage in hard-to-reach areas of the UK. BDUK works with suppliers and communities to ensure that people can access fast and reliable digital connectivity that can transform their lives and drive economic growth.
Project Gigabit
Project Gigabit is a government-funded programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband. It targets homes and businesses that are not included in broadband suppliers’ commercial plans, reaching parts of the UK that might otherwise miss out on upgrades to next-generation speeds.
The connections delivered by Project Gigabit will benefit rural and remote communities, as well as tackling pockets of poor connectivity in urban areas. Project Gigabit is crucial to the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and kickstart economic growth across the country.
Shared Rural Network
Jointly funded by the government and the UK’s main mobile network operators, the Shared Rural Network is delivering new 4G coverage to places where there is either limited or no 4G coverage at all.
The public and private investment in a shared network of phone masts is driving increases in coverage across all four nations, with the biggest coverage improvements in rural parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) Bill published.
Legislative proposals to improve the experiences of children and young people in Scotland’s care system have been published in a Bill introduced to Parliament.
The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill proposes extending the aftercare support currently available for 16-to-26 year olds who were in care on their 16th birthday to those who had left care before that point – including providing help with accommodation, education, employment and wellbeing.
If passed by Parliament, the legislation would also secure for people with care experience a right to access lifelong advocacy services, ensuring their voices are better heard throughout their care journey.
Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise Natalie Don-Innes said:
“This Bill puts the needs and rights of care-experienced children and young people at the heart of our care system.
“By aiming to provide a legal right to access advocacy and expanding aftercare support, we are responding directly to what people with care experience have told us they need.
“This legislation marks a crucial step forward in keeping The Promise by 2030. It will ensure children and young people receive the compassionate and considerate care they need throughout their care journey, so that they grow up loved, safe, and respected.
“I look forward to working closely with MSPs across parties in the months ahead to advance this Bill and ensure we meet our collective pledge to The Promise.”
The Bill, which will now be scrutinised by MSPs, aims to support smoother transitions between children’s and adult services by establishing tripartite accountability between local councils, NHS boards, and integration joint boards for children’s services planning.
The legislation includes proposed reforms of the Children’s Hearings system so it continues to meet the needs of children and families.
It also aims to improve professional recognition of foster carers with a proposed national register to help enhance the quality of placements, alongside taking steps to remove profit from care.
The Scottish Government will also develop new guidance with partners on the language of care to reduce stigma and improve how services communicate with those who have experience of care.
This work will build on the improvements already made for care-experienced children and young people since Scotland first pledged to ‘Keep The Promise’ in 2020.
Background
The Scottish Government has introduced the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament following extensive consultation and engagement, including with people with care experience and representative organisations. Engagement with stakeholders will continue throughout the Parliamentary process.
Plans to boost the Dundee economy and support local jobs and growth by harnessing the power of Community Wealth Building are to be discussed bycouncillors.
A proposed Community Wealth Building Strategy and Action Plan maps out how the city council and key partners will look to help give people a stake in their future.
The strategy builds on work that has been ongoing in the city fora number ofyears and is designed to complement a range of existing activities that support sustainable economic growth in Dundee.
A report explains how Community Wealth Building uses the power and influence of major anchor partners to work collaboratively. This joint effort will maximise the economic and social power of their organisations as major employers, procurers of goods and services, financial institutions, land and property owners and economic drivers for the city.
Community Wealth Building would help to deliver Dundee Partnership priorities to reduce poverty and inequalities, tackle climate change and enable inclusive economic growth. The strategy covering 2025-30 is described as one of the building blocks to develop a wellbeing economy in Dundee.
The City Governance Committee will be told that since the council began developing its Community Wealth Building approach, the council has improved its ability to track and influence direct procurement spend.
In financial year 2023/24, 47% of procurement spend was in Dundee city, up 7% on last year’s figures. Dundee City Council is ranked 3rd nationally for local spend and above the national average of 30.7%.
Actions detailed in the strategy include working with partners to increase the amount of their procurement spend which is spent locally, and maximising local subcontractor and supplier spend from major capital programmes.
The document outlines how partners would use their position as major employers to promote the principles of Fair Work and continue to tackle Dundee’s low wage employment through promotion of the Real Living Wage as a practical tool to increase families’ incomes.
Supporting inclusive ownership is another method outlined to help grow wealth in the city. This recognises that some business models including social enterprise, cooperative or employee-owned business are better at retaining wealth within a local area.
The City Governance Committee is being asked to approve the strategy at its meeting on Monday June 23.
Depute Convener Cllr Willie Sawers said:“Community Wealth Building focuses on local people and supporting local businesses, to drive wealth back into the community.
“Dundee partners have made good progress so far, as can be seen by the success of our Living Wage campaign.
“But there is still much more we can all do to take forward this new strategy to ensure that local economic development can have the maximum impact on communities and people’s lives.
“This is about making the city a better place for everyone by helping to increase opportunities, reduce unemployment and address issues like deprivation and poverty, as well as the climate emergency.”
The Victorian parliament has launched a long-overdue inquiry into abuse and coercive control within cults and religious fringe groups.
It is a welcome acknowledgement of the damage that can flourish under the guise of faith, and the unquestioning obedience to authoritarian leaders in religious groups.
The inquiry will hear victim-survivors can suffer a diverse range of harms, including sexual, financial and labour exploitation, spiritual manipulation, and institutional betrayal.
Abusive practices
Geelong state MP Christine Couzens says the Geelong Revival Centre has caused a great deal of hurt. Parliament of Victoria, CC BY
The inquiry is the first of its kind in Australia.
Prompted by recent events, including reports of coercive behaviour at the Geelong Revival Centre, the inquiry will examine “the methods used to recruit and control their members, and the impacts of coercive control”.
According to the committee’s guidance note, the focus will be on techniques that can damage individuals emotionally, psychologically, financially and even physically.
Importantly, the inquiry will interrogate “abusive practices”, not the beliefs behind them:
There is a distinction between genuine religious practice and harmful behaviour. “Freedom of religion” is not freedom, for example, to defraud, nor is it freedom to cause significant psychological harm to any person.
Consideration will be given to whether the law adequately protects people when cults and fringe groups cause the types of harm that should be criminalised.
Sexual control
My research examined the sexual exploitation of congregation members perpetrated by pastors within evangelical, Pentecostal faith communities in Australia.
Respondents described feeling broken, shattered, and spiritually battered. The harms were similar to those experienced by survivors of incest, child sexual abuse and domestic violence.
For example:
72% of respondents were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder
52% suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
48% were diagnosed with depression
48% experienced suicidal ideation.
As American sociologist and cult expert Janja Lalich explains:
Sexual control is seen as the final step in the objectification of the cult member by the authoritarian leader, who is able to satisfy his needs through psychological manipulation leading to sexual exploitation.
Power imbalance
My research uncovered instances of sexual exploitation by pastors that constitutes a form of sexual violence and coercive control. The absence of a centralised reporting body means there is no accessible data on the extent of clergy sexual exploitation of adults in Australian faith communities.
However, international research found around 3% of churchgoing women had been subjected to sexual advances from a married religious leader.
Too often, institutions downplay the abuse as a “moral failing” or a mutual lapse into sin, ignoring the profound power imbalance that makes meaningful consent impossible.
Pastor-congregant relationships are not consensual; they are violations of trust and authority. Survivors are often left with no pathways to justice or support because coercive control is not recognised in non-intimate settings.
Search for belonging
Victim-survivors would benefit from legal reform that formally recognises and criminalises this form of abuse.
Coercive control legislation covering institutional and spiritual settings, would help protect congregation members targeted by predator pastors.
I was recruited into a Pentecostal church as a teenager through a Bible college that was allowed into my public high school to “preach the gospel”. I know firsthand how easily these environments can entrap teenagers at an age when many are seeking identity outside of family.
The parliamentary inquiry is not designed to question people’s religion, but to protect them from harmful behaviour. SibRapid/Shutterstock
What began as a search for belonging led to years of grooming and coercion, and it took over two decades to name and report the abuse. The response from the church was just as harmful as the abuse itself.
Fear and shame
The harms often extend beyond sexual exploitation in many of these groups. Marginalised individuals are particularly vulnerable in these environments.
LGBTQIA+ people in some evangelical churches have historically been subjected to conversion practices masquerading as prayer, counselling, or pastoral care. In one recent example, an evangelical church in New South Wales preached from the pulpit:
A gay person is at least three times more likely to kill themselves. A transsexual is 15 times more likely to kill themselves. So if you are a parent and you love your kids make sure they are not gay or trans.
This kind of messaging doesn’t protect children – it instils fear, shame, and self-hatred. It reflects a deeper pattern of spiritual abuse that pathologises identity and uses fear to exert control. The consequences are devastating, especially for young people already struggling to reconcile faith, identity, and belonging.
Template for reform
Many people fail to grasp how intelligent adults can become trapped in such environments.
But coercive control is not about intelligence – it’s about power, dependency, and the slow erosion of critical thinking by spiritual authority.
While coercive control in family violence is finally being addressed, spiritual and sexual coercive control within faith communities, cults, and fringe groups remains in a legal blind spot.
This is exactly why the Victorian probe and follow-up law reform are both necessary.
The inquiry should provide a framework for other states and territories to follow suit and scrutinise cults and organised fringe groups in their own jurisdictions.
Lead author Jaime Simpson is a survivor of sexual exploitation in an evangelical community. The research mentioned is this article was conducted by her.
Jaime Simpson received a Higher Degree Research tuition off-set to complete her Master in Philosophy
Kathleen McPhillips receives funding from the Australian Research Theology Foundation ARTFinc), the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation (ISNF) and the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme.
The Victorian parliament has launched a long-overdue inquiry into abuse and coercive control within cults and religious fringe groups.
It is a welcome acknowledgement of the damage that can flourish under the guise of faith, and the unquestioning obedience to authoritarian leaders in religious groups.
The inquiry will hear victim-survivors can suffer a diverse range of harms, including sexual, financial and labour exploitation, spiritual manipulation, and institutional betrayal.
Abusive practices
Geelong state MP Christine Couzens says the Geelong Revival Centre has caused a great deal of hurt. Parliament of Victoria, CC BY
The inquiry is the first of its kind in Australia.
Prompted by recent events, including reports of coercive behaviour at the Geelong Revival Centre, the inquiry will examine “the methods used to recruit and control their members, and the impacts of coercive control”.
According to the committee’s guidance note, the focus will be on techniques that can damage individuals emotionally, psychologically, financially and even physically.
Importantly, the inquiry will interrogate “abusive practices”, not the beliefs behind them:
There is a distinction between genuine religious practice and harmful behaviour. “Freedom of religion” is not freedom, for example, to defraud, nor is it freedom to cause significant psychological harm to any person.
Consideration will be given to whether the law adequately protects people when cults and fringe groups cause the types of harm that should be criminalised.
Sexual control
My research examined the sexual exploitation of congregation members perpetrated by pastors within evangelical, Pentecostal faith communities in Australia.
Respondents described feeling broken, shattered, and spiritually battered. The harms were similar to those experienced by survivors of incest, child sexual abuse and domestic violence.
For example:
72% of respondents were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder
52% suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
48% were diagnosed with depression
48% experienced suicidal ideation.
As American sociologist and cult expert Janja Lalich explains:
Sexual control is seen as the final step in the objectification of the cult member by the authoritarian leader, who is able to satisfy his needs through psychological manipulation leading to sexual exploitation.
Power imbalance
My research uncovered instances of sexual exploitation by pastors that constitutes a form of sexual violence and coercive control. The absence of a centralised reporting body means there is no accessible data on the extent of clergy sexual exploitation of adults in Australian faith communities.
However, international research found around 3% of churchgoing women had been subjected to sexual advances from a married religious leader.
Too often, institutions downplay the abuse as a “moral failing” or a mutual lapse into sin, ignoring the profound power imbalance that makes meaningful consent impossible.
Pastor-congregant relationships are not consensual; they are violations of trust and authority. Survivors are often left with no pathways to justice or support because coercive control is not recognised in non-intimate settings.
Search for belonging
Victim-survivors would benefit from legal reform that formally recognises and criminalises this form of abuse.
Coercive control legislation covering institutional and spiritual settings, would help protect congregation members targeted by predator pastors.
I was recruited into a Pentecostal church as a teenager through a Bible college that was allowed into my public high school to “preach the gospel”. I know firsthand how easily these environments can entrap teenagers at an age when many are seeking identity outside of family.
The parliamentary inquiry is not designed to question people’s religion, but to protect them from harmful behaviour. SibRapid/Shutterstock
What began as a search for belonging led to years of grooming and coercion, and it took over two decades to name and report the abuse. The response from the church was just as harmful as the abuse itself.
Fear and shame
The harms often extend beyond sexual exploitation in many of these groups. Marginalised individuals are particularly vulnerable in these environments.
LGBTQIA+ people in some evangelical churches have historically been subjected to conversion practices masquerading as prayer, counselling, or pastoral care. In one recent example, an evangelical church in New South Wales preached from the pulpit:
A gay person is at least three times more likely to kill themselves. A transsexual is 15 times more likely to kill themselves. So if you are a parent and you love your kids make sure they are not gay or trans.
This kind of messaging doesn’t protect children – it instils fear, shame, and self-hatred. It reflects a deeper pattern of spiritual abuse that pathologises identity and uses fear to exert control. The consequences are devastating, especially for young people already struggling to reconcile faith, identity, and belonging.
Template for reform
Many people fail to grasp how intelligent adults can become trapped in such environments.
But coercive control is not about intelligence – it’s about power, dependency, and the slow erosion of critical thinking by spiritual authority.
While coercive control in family violence is finally being addressed, spiritual and sexual coercive control within faith communities, cults, and fringe groups remains in a legal blind spot.
This is exactly why the Victorian probe and follow-up law reform are both necessary.
The inquiry should provide a framework for other states and territories to follow suit and scrutinise cults and organised fringe groups in their own jurisdictions.
Lead author Jaime Simpson is a survivor of sexual exploitation in an evangelical community. The research mentioned is this article was conducted by her.
Jaime Simpson received a Higher Degree Research tuition off-set to complete her Master in Philosophy
Kathleen McPhillips receives funding from the Australian Research Theology Foundation ARTFinc), the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation (ISNF) and the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme.
Man charged after police seize parcel containing half a kilo of ice
Wednesday, 18 June 2025 – 3:40 pm.
A man has been charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and attempt to unlawfully import a controlled substance after police seized half a kilogram of methylamphetamine (ice). A parcel containing the highly addictive drug had been posted from Victoria to Tasmania, where it was intercepted by members of Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit. The parcel was seized at Pipers River on Monday 16 June, and a 38-year-old Underwood man was arrested, charged and detained to appear in court. The methylamphetamine seized was approximately 500 grams, and had the potential to cause significant harm to the Tasmanian community. Anyone with information about illicit substances should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Hackham West.
About 2.14pm today (Wednesday 18 June), police and emergency services were called to Glynville Drive after reports of a collision involving a car and motorcycle.
Turn your idea for a public activation into reality with a new City Centre Community Activation Grants program.
Applications are now open, and community members are invited to submit public activation ideas that will be engaging and vibrant in the heart of Bendigo city centre.
The City Centre Community Activation Grants program is open to individuals, businesses, or groups who live, work, or study in the Greater Bendigo region.
The City of Greater Bendigo grants are available for small one-off activities, or a series of larger activities spread over the year (six in total). The aim is to attract more people, more often to the city centre with a variety of public activations that encourage community and visitor engagement and support local creativity and innovation.
So far this year, the City has curated and presented over 200 free activations in Hargreaves Mall for the community to enjoy, such as the popular Fiesta Street Party, school holiday program, music and family friendly fun activities.
This grant program enables the community and creatives to lead and curate their own activities.
Creative City Coordinator Maree Tonkin said this was a fantastic opportunity for the community and businesses to put forward their own ideas and be supported by the City Centre Community Activation Grants program.
“This program hopes to attract diverse ideas and community-led activities to be hosted in the city centre,” Ms Tonkin said.
“Hargreaves Mall is an ideal location with the new stage and lots of space to host art making, music, dance, performances, markets, cultural celebrations, business ideas, workshops, fashion, temporary pop-up art, augmented reality, technology-based work and much more. Other city centre locations will also be considered under the activation program.
“We want to hear your big, clever and creative ideas that can be turned into vibrant and engaging activations for the public to enjoy.
“We’re seeking activation proposals to take place throughout the year with a focus on school holidays and Saturdays. All temporary activations must be free for the public to attend and the content suitable for presentation in a public place.
“Priority will be given to projects that champion access and inclusion, aim to increase community engagement and participation and are representative of the broad demographic mix in Greater Bendigo.
“Our region prides itself on its vibrancy and creative reputation. To stimulate activity in the city centre, these grants complement the Hargreaves Mall Action Plan, adopted by Council in 2023, to encourage more people to visit the city centre to shop, eat and enjoy free public activations.
“The chosen projects will be selected by a panel and our Creative City staff will collaborate closely with successful applicants to facilitate planning, promotion and delivery of activations.”
Selected projects must take place in Hargreaves Mall or other city centre locations before June 30, 2026.
Priority will be given to ideas that boost community engagement and participation.
Applications will close at 5pm, Monday August 4, 2025.
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
Electricity provider Diamond Energy Pty Ltd has paid $46,950 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with three infringement notices for allegedly breaching the Electricity Retail Code (the Code).
Under the Code, electricity retailers must provide certain information about pricing, such as the lowest possible price, to help consumers compare different electricity plans.
The three infringement notices relate to allegations that Diamond Energy failed to communicate mandatory information to three of its customers.
The ACCC has also accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Diamond Energy in which it has admitted it contravened the Code.
Diamond Energy admitted that in June 2024 it sent communications to 12,809 customers which failed to include the required pricing information under the Code, when notifying these customers of price changes to their electricity plans.
Diamond Energy also admitted that it failed to include on its website some of the required pricing information under the Code between 1 January and 30 June 2024 in relation to 44 of its electricity plans, and then also between 1 July and 20 September 2024 in relation to a further 44 plans.
“By not disclosing the required pricing information to its customers, Diamond Energy has impacted consumers’ ability to make an informed decision when comparing prices across electricity retailers,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.
“It is vital that electricity retailers provide consumers with accurate information so they can compare and access the most competitive prices in the market.”
In the court-enforceable undertaking, Diamond Energy has committed to introduce a compliance program to ensure it complies with the Code.
“We will continue to monitor electricity providers to ensure they adequately disclose pricing information to consumers,” Ms Brakey said.
What electricity retailers must tell consumers
The Code requires retailers to include certain information when it communicates its offered prices to residential and small business customers by advertising or publishing the price, offering to supply electricity at that price, or notifying the customer of a change to the price.
Consumers who believe their retailer has failed to provide the required information should in the first instance contact their retailer, which is obliged to inform them of this information under the Code.
The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain provisions of an industry code.
A person or business is not regarded has having contravened the provision of the industry code merely by paying the penalty specified in an infringement notice.
Background
The Code applies to electricity retailers that supply electricity to residential and small business customers in applicable distribution regions in New South Wales, South Australia, and South East Queensland. Diamond Energy is a retail electricity supplier in these regions.
Since the Code was introduced in 2019, the ACCC has issued infringement notices to Locality Planning Energy, CovaU, ReAmped Energy and Dodo Power & Gas for allegedly failing to include certain mandatory information when communicating prices. The ACCC has also accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from CovaU and Dodo in response to breaches of the Code.
In September 2024, the Federal Court ordered Energy Australia pay penalties of $14 million for making false, misleading or deceptive statements to around 566,000 consumers about electricity prices and failing to provide mandatory information required by the Code.
