Local Authority round-up 26 June 2026
26th June, 2026
Our Local Authority round up provides brief summaries of topical information on a weekly basis, to keep you aware of the changes and updates relevant to you.
Health and Social Care
AI to speed up cancer diagnosis for millions of NHS patients
Millions of patients will receive faster diagnoses due to almost £30 million of government funding in AI across the NHS.
The funding will expand proven AI technology to every NHS trust in England while piloting the next generation of digital innovation, marking the latest step in government’s drive to modernise the NHS and reduce waiting times.
AI-powered X-ray tools that act as a virtual ‘second pair of eyes’ for radiologists will be rolled out to all NHS trusts in England by 2029. This technology is currently available in half of England’s NHS trusts, helping more than 4 million people receive a faster diagnosis and treatment.
Early data shows the AI technology helps radiologists analyse scans in an average of 4 days, compared to 8 days for the most complex cases previously. By helping clinicians manage growing demand for imaging services more efficiently and easing pressure on radiology teams, the technology is enabling patients to receive follow-up diagnostic tests sooner, helping speed up diagnosis and access to treatment.
For more information, please click here.
Support for the Deafblind community grows with new funding to assess specialist interpreters
Thousands of Deafblind people across the country will benefit from improved access to communication support as the number of interpreters for Deafblind people significantly increase through a £15,000 grant of interpreter competency sessions.
The bespoke sessions will support the competency assessment of interpreters for Deafblind people. The grant funding is expected to deliver a more than eightfold increase in interpreter capacity, expanding the total number of specialists to 68. This substantial increase of interpretation capacity will enable Deafblind people to access support quickly and easily, reducing waiting times and improve access to vital communication services.
The grant funding was designed in collaboration with the government’s independent BSL Advisory Board, which was set up to address the lack of interpreters for Deafblind people.
For more information, please click here.
Planning & Housing
New homebuying rules introduced to slash delays, cut costs and stop sales falling through
Buying and selling a home is set to become faster, cheaper and less stressful under new major reforms unveiled last week. These changes will cut homebuying times by around 4 weeks, saving first-time buyers an average of £650, and stop nasty surprises that cost time and money.
Sellers and estate agents will have to provide key information upfront in ‘sales packs’ at the point of listing. These packs will set out the condition of the home, leasehold costs, and chain status so buyers can make informed decisions, and property professionals can get work done sooner while creating a more transparent process for everyone involved.
Changes will also see new earlier binding agreements to stop parties walking away months into negotiations without a legitimate reason.
Additionally, a new Code of Practice for estate agents will work alongside proposals of mandatory qualifications for the sector which could ensure estate agents are properly equipped to support efficient transactions and further build trust in the sector.
For more information, please click here.
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