Latest Government Updates: Digital Inclusion, Employment, Communities and Public Services

A number of new government announcements and research reports have been published over the past week covering digital inclusion, employment, apprenticeships, housing, community support and public services.

Here is a summary of some of the latest updates.

Digital inclusion support for disabled adults

New government research has examined how digital inclusion can improve confidence, independence and social connection among disabled working-age adults.

The Digital Inclusion for Connection pilot found that effective support needs to go beyond simply providing a device or internet connection. Accessibility, assistive technology, affordability, confidence, digital skills and online safety all play an important role.

The research also highlights the value of flexible, personalised support delivered through trusted community, charity and specialist organisations. The government says the findings will help inform future approaches to digital inclusion.

Read the Digital Inclusion for Connection research on GOV.UK

Research examines how family and friends help people get online

A second piece of government research has looked at the important role family members, friends, neighbours and others play in helping people use digital services.

Around one in three UK adults surveyed had provided informal digital support during the previous year. This can range from showing somebody how to complete an online task to carrying it out on their behalf.

The research also identifies potential risks. More than half of informal supporters surveyed had provided some form of proxy support, while 31% had used somebody else’s login details to manage their online banking or financial accounts.

The findings highlight the need to make digital services easier to use and provide safer ways for people to receive help when they cannot complete online tasks independently.

Read the informal and proxy digital support research on GOV.UK

New first-time buyer scheme announced ahead of Budget

The government has announced plans for a new equity loan scheme in England called Your First Home, with further details expected at the Budget.

The proposed scheme is expected to support deposits of 2.5%, alongside a 20% government-backed equity loan, for eligible first-time buyers purchasing new-build properties from participating developers.

An initial interest-free period is planned, while household income and local property price caps will be used to target the scheme. Costs, implementation dates and further details are due to be confirmed at the Budget.

New support for schools to tackle misogyny

Schools are set to receive additional support to tackle misogyny and harmful attitudes among children and young people.

The government has announced a whole-school approach including practical guidance, teacher training and support for parents. The approach is intended to help schools challenge harmful attitudes, promote healthy relationships and support young people to navigate influences they encounter online and offline.

Dedicated liaison officers for domestic abuse victims

The Crown Prosecution Service is rolling out enhanced support for domestic abuse victims across England and Wales.

Following pilots in selected areas, every domestic abuse victim whose case is being prosecuted will have access to a dedicated victim liaison officer providing support from charge through to trial.

The CPS is also making its Universal Service for victims permanent nationwide, including giving victims a choice over how they receive communications from the CPS.

Free entry to national museums protected

The government has confirmed that universal free admission to England’s national museums will continue.

Ministers had previously considered whether overseas visitors could be charged admission following a review of Arts Council England. The government has now confirmed that charges for overseas visitors will not be introduced, meaning the existing universal free-entry approach will remain.

Read the national museums announcement

Plans announced for a National Care Service

The government has set out plans to establish a National Care Service during the next Parliament, including free personal care for older people based on need rather than ability to pay.

The service is intended to be introduced in phases as funding, workforce and provider capacity are developed. Baroness Casey’s independent commission will make recommendations about how and when the new service should be established.

The announcement also includes changes to the State Pension Triple Lock from 2030, with the government proposing to use savings from the revised arrangements towards funding the National Care Service.

£10 million investment to improve access to affordable food

Almost £10 million is being provided to 45 local authorities in England to help improve access to healthy and affordable food in areas experiencing high levels of deprivation and childhood obesity.

Each selected local authority will receive £222,000 to develop solutions based on local needs. The government says the funding is intended to give local areas flexibility to address food insecurity and affordability in ways that work for their communities.

Information Commission replaces the ICO

The Information Commission has formally taken over the functions of the Information Commissioner’s Office as the UK’s data protection regulator.

The change, which took effect on 30 September, introduces a new governance structure with executive and non-executive members sharing collective responsibility for decisions.

For individuals and organisations, the regulator’s fundamental role, responsibilities and powers remain unchanged. It will continue to independently regulate data protection and freedom of information legislation.

£16 million to expand free legal support

A new £16 million Legal Support Grant will help people facing issues including eviction, problem debt, benefit disputes and family breakdown access free legal support earlier.

Running from October 2026 to March 2029, the programme will support 48 frontline organisations across England and Wales to provide advice and practical assistance both face-to-face and online.

The funding is intended to help people resolve problems before they escalate into homelessness, financial hardship or court proceedings.

New Vaping Products Duty comes into force

A new UK-wide Vaping Products Duty came into effect on 1 October 2026.

The duty is charged at £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid manufactured in or imported into the UK. A new Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme is also being introduced to improve traceability and help tackle illicit products.

Wholesalers and retailers have a six-month grace period for eligible existing stock. From 1 April 2027, vaping products sold in the UK will need to carry a valid duty stamp.

£60 million fund seeks new approaches to disability employment support

Businesses, charities and other organisations can bid for a share of £60 million to test new ways of supporting disabled people and people with health conditions to enter, remain in and progress in employment.

The Pathways to Work Innovation Fund is looking for new approaches to overcoming barriers to employment, with potential projects including digital therapies and technology-based employment support.

An expert panel will help assess ideas submitted to the fund.

£2,000 support for small businesses taking on young apprentices

Small and medium-sized employers are being offered £2,000 for each eligible young apprentice they take on.

The payment is aimed at non-levy paying employers taking on eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24, with the funding paid through their apprenticeship training provider rather than requiring a separate application.

Payments will normally be made in two £1,000 instalments, subject to the apprentice remaining employed at the relevant points. A refreshed apprenticeships.gov.uk website has also been launched to help employers understand available funding and recruit apprentices.

New licence restrictions introduced for offenders leaving prison

New powers have come into force allowing tighter restrictions to be placed on offenders released from prison on licence.

Measures include restriction zones for some higher-risk sexual and violent offenders, wider use of electronic monitoring and the ability to ban offenders from places such as pubs, clubs, football matches and other public events.

The government says the measures are intended to strengthen supervision in the community and improve protection for victims and the wider public.

Report sets out recommendations for supporting neurodivergent people at work

An independent report from the Expert Academic Panel on Neurodiversity has published recommendations on helping neurodivergent people succeed in employment.

Recommendations include providing support according to individual needs rather than relying solely on a diagnosis, improving awareness of good practice, strengthening existing disability employment policy and making greater use of Universal Design principles.

In response, the government has launched a 16-week policy discovery exercise looking at how Universal Design principles could be applied in workplaces.

Government sets out preparations for winter weather

The government has outlined work taking place to strengthen resilience ahead of winter, including investment in flood defences, roads, rail infrastructure and energy networks.

More than 600 flood defence projects are being delivered across England, supported by £1.4 billion of investment in 2026/27.

A national public awareness campaign is also due to launch later this autumn, providing households with practical advice on preparing for emergencies and severe weather. This will include information on measures such as basic household preparations and joining the Priority Services Register for people who may need additional help during utility outages.

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