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The number of households in temporary accommodation in England reached over 132,000 as of June 30, 2025, marking a 7.6% increase from the previous year. Among them, more than 172,000 children face instability, prompting government pledges of an £84 million cash boost to support families this winter.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed condemned a Muslim-run charity race in East London for excluding women, labeling the decision "absolutely unacceptable." The Equality and Human Rights Commission plans to investigate the incident, as the event was promoted as inclusive yet only allowed male participants and girls under 12. The East London Mosque, which organized the run, stated its commitment to supporting women in sports and has not directly addressed the criticism.
A mental health trust plans to install CCTV after the accidental death of Maria Morris, 44, at Bethlem Hospital in London. An inquest revealed concerns about patient care and a lack of monitoring, as Morris was found with socks in her throat and a bruise on her back. Her family continues to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Greenwich's Royal Observatory initiates a £77 million renovation, enhancing accessibility and educational spaces by constructing a lift tower and new astronomy galleries. The project, expected to finish by spring 2028, aims to inspire public interest in astronomy and improve visitor engagement.
Transport for London (TfL) faced criticism for only prosecuting four passengers for noise violations since 2020, resulting in just three fines totaling £705. The Liberal Democrats and Reform UK called for stronger enforcement measures, while TfL emphasized that most customers behave considerately.
A BBC investigation reveals over a third of councils in England and Wales did not inspect any licensed gambling establishments last year, raising concerns about unregulated adult gaming centers. The Social Market Foundation describes these venues as detrimental to poor communities, urging for improved oversight.
Nadia Yahlom defended her removal of yellow ribbons in a north London park, which were dedicated to Israeli hostages. She faced backlash from the local Jewish community but claimed her actions represented a peaceful protest against perceived genocide in Gaza. Yahlom emphasized that conversations about Palestinian oppression should extend beyond the recent conflict anniversary.
Baroness D'Souza faces an eight-week suspension from the House of Lords after she wrote to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner regarding speeding fines. The inquiry found her correspondence, sent on official headed paper, attempted to influence a police investigation and could harm public trust in parliament. D'Souza expressed regret over her actions, which included a plea to reconsider the severity of her penalties.
The Lampard Inquiry raised significant concerns regarding the Oxevision monitoring system used in NHS mental health trusts, following the deaths of over 2,000 patients from 2000 to 2023. Critics described the technology as intrusive and dehumanizing, while its manufacturer acknowledged privacy issues. The inquiry aims to address systemic failures in mental health care.
The Metropolitan Police began monitoring Stephen Lawrence's family immediately after his murder in a racist attack in 1993, a public inquiry revealed. Barrister Ifeanyi Odogwu stated that while the family sought justice, the state instead surveilled them, gathering intimate details and undermining their grief. The inquiry is examining the actions of the Met's Special Demonstration Squad from 1993 to 2007.