News 16/01/26

Work to fix hospitals built using unsafe concrete will miss the government target.

Seven hospitals built with Raac, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, were prioritised for repairs last year, with a deadline of 2030. The National Audit Office says replacement buildings are now expected to open in 2032 and 2033, and some schemes are already now under pressure. At several sites, roofs are propped up with metal supports and parts of hospitals have been closed as unsafe.

A mother involved in a group legal action against TikTok after the deaths of their children says she wants accountability from the platform.

Ellen Roome, from Gloucestershire, is in the United States for the first day of a hearing filed by the Social Media Victims Law Centre. The lawsuit claims five children died while attempting a so called blackout challenge. TikTok says it strictly prohibits content that promotes or encourages dangerous behaviour.

A new funding scheme will give emergency cash to people on low incomes across England.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund will begin in April, providing one billion pounds each year for three years. Applications will be made through local councils, including by people not on benefits. Councils can award money after sudden expenses or income loss, such as a broken boiler or job loss, to prevent crisis.

An Ofsted inspection into Slough Borough Council arrangements for young people leaving care has found support is significantly inconsistent.

Children are supported through the Slough Local Area Partnership, involving the council, the NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board, education providers, and commissioned partners. Ofsted carried out a focused visit to children’s services from November nineteenth to twentieth last year, with the report published on Monday January twelfth.