The Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has published research examining the £1.3bn UK online prize draws and competitions (PDCs) market. The study identified 401 operators, with one company holding over 60% market share. Key findings show 12% of PDC players experience gambling harm compared to 3% of the general population, while only 7% of operators provide gambling charity links. Around 40% of operators offer instant win products without additional player protections. The report recommends implementing a voluntary code of conduct initially, with the option to introduce gambling regulation if needed. Currently PDC operators donate an average 10% of proceeds to charity, compared to the 20% minimum required for society lotteries. The research aims to inform potential government intervention in the sector.

The District Councils’ Network (DCN) has announced its relaunch as the Local Councils Network (LCN). The change responds to the reorganisation of local government where district and county councils will be replaced by new unitary councils. LCN will remain a cross-party membership organisation and a special interest group within the Local Government Association, supporting councils to navigate changing demands across the sector. LCN’s Chair, Cllr Richard Wright stated that it will strengthen national advocacy and provide practical support, peer collaboration and data-led insights among councils. Its offer is outlined in a prospectus, setting out reasons and benefits for councils to join.

The District Councils' Network (DCN) reports that frozen government funding for temporary accommodation is creating a £268m annual shortfall across England's 164 district councils. Government reimbursement remains stuck at January 2011 rates despite rising housing costs, covering only 34% of councils' temporary accommodation expenses compared to the originally intended 90%. In response, the DCN is calling for updated funding rates that reflect the current Local Housing Allowance levels, in addition to increased capital investment in council-owned temporary accommodation.

consent-order-'>Development Consent Order: Developers of nuclear power stations must apply to the Planning Inspectorate (rather than the Local Planning Authority) for a Development Consent Order. If granted, a DCO will combine a grant of planning permission with a range of other separate consents, such as listed building consent. A DCO can include rights to compulsorily purchase land. There are also special procedures relating to cases such as commons, National Trust land, and land protected under the Green Belt (London & Home Counties) Act 1938.

The obligation to ensure any new building works or refurbishment works comply with the minimum requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1999.

1 Please provide full details of the Company’s compliance with the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (the initial phase: 1 April 2014 – 31 March 2019) (CRC Scheme), including: 1.1 whether the Company is a CRC Scheme participant and upon what basis? Is it a single company, part of a group (within the meaning of Art 3 of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2013, as amended, SI 2013/1119) or a disaggregated subsidiary?

Family analysis: The provisions of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) come into effect on 6 April 2022. HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has now confirmed which forms have been updated as a result of the procedural changes under DDSA 2020 and released two YouTube videos demonstrating the sole divorce journey on the HMCTS online system. A new Practice Direction has also been issued in relation to the HMCTS online system for proceedings issued on or after 6 April 2022.

Family analysis: As the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) comes into effect on 6 April 2022, practitioners Alex Davies and Simon Donald, partners at Cripps Pemberton Greenish, Graham Coy, partner at Wilsons Solicitors, Zoe Porter, partner at Ashfords and Charles Hale QC, barrister at 4PB, share their views on the impact of the changes and what further issues need to be considered.

The (former) Department for Energy and Climate Change: The UK Government department, created in October 2008, with overall responsibility for policy relating to energy and climate change (together with OND in relation to new nuclear). DECC worked to ensure that the UK continued to enjoy a diverse and low-carbon energy mix, delivered through a market framework to ensure competitive prices. DECC was the sponsoring Government department for NDA. In July 2016 DECC was merged with BIS to from BEIS.

This is a method of decommissioning in which the equipment, structures, and portions of a nuclear facility and site containing radioactive contaminants are removed. The contaminants are safely buried in a low-level radioactive waste landfill or decontaminated to a level that permits the property to be released for unrestricted use shortly after cessation of operations.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: DEFRA is the UK Government department responsible for safeguarding the environment, supporting food and farming and sustaining the rural economy. DEFRA is the UK Government Department which sponsors the agency'>Environment Agency.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced plans to ban water bosses from getting bonuses if a company has committed serious criminal breaches. Ofwat will be opening a consultation to help define the criteria for the ban which could include being successfully prosecuted for Category 1 or 2 pollution incidents. The ban will be applicable to all executive board members and chief executives (subject to consultation) and Ofwat would implement the measures by amending the conditions of water company licences. Regarding water companies in England, this would be done using Ofwat's powers under the Environment Act 2021. The measures form part of the government’s long-term strategy to combat pollution and safeguard an abundant supply of water for the future. The measures are expected to come into effect later in 2024 and to apply to FY24/25 bonuses from April onwards. However, companies should voluntarily follow the proposed new criteria for FY23/24 bonuses.