Another thing a government could do is increase the number of low-traffic zones so that kids can play outside and build more playgrounds with stuff that's fun to do for kids aged 10 and above, open swimming pools. Like actually nice things that will make people's lives better.

Strong agree - arranging ways to keep my younger children busy and safe in the summer while I work is an (admittedly expensive) breeze compared to my 13yo

There are several other things we expected to be published with or before the SR such as the NHS 10-year plan or the industrial strategy. It was a big ask to line up these direction-setting documents before the SR, but their absence gives a sense that govt is still lacking real vision in many areas

Also absent is the civil service workforce strategy - which was due to be published with the SR but is now due "later this year" - characterised by @fdagensec.bsky.social as a disappointing delay (www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...)

Here's where you can subscribe so you will get all the excellent stories from @beckiesmith.bsky.social and @tevyemarkson.bsky.social (plus reaction from government experts) right to your inbox www.civilserviceworld.com/more/newslet...

I'm not sure the announcements on their own speak to a rightward/populist shift. Politicians slamming bureaucracy and quangos is nothing new - this from a 2010 BBC news article www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-poli...

This is v much my reflection too - language on civil servants is more positive than before, but how is this government actually planning to reform the system which inhibits these fantastic officials?