The much-trailed Budget by new Labour Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will be delivered on Wednesday, October 30. Central government departments and local government alike are bracing themselves for cuts.
Much discussed not least by Labour has been the ‘£22 billion black hole’ in the UK’s public finances.
Comment
Graeme Stewart, head of public sector at Check Point Software, says: “As we look ahead to the Budget, it’s essential to view cybersecurity not as a standalone cost but as a foundational investment in our nation’s resilience and growth. Recent cyber-attacks have made it clear that no sector is immune; public services, education, and healthcare all face sophisticated threats that are increasingly difficult to predict or contain. These disruptions affect not only the services we depend on but also our national economy, which relies on secure, IP-rich industries to foster innovation and attract global investment.
“In the NHS, for instance, we’re seeing how vulnerable supply chains can compromise essential healthcare services. A cyber-attack on these systems doesn’t just threaten data—it has the potential to halt critical medical procedures, delay treatments, and create life-threatening situations. When it comes to securing such high-stakes environments, cybersecurity needs to be built into every layer, from supplier contracts to patient data handling, ensuring that threats are mitigated before they impact patient care.
“The education sector is also under strain, with cyber-attacks disrupting the learning environments for students nationwide and threatening valuable research data. With UK universities producing groundbreaking research, particularly in areas like healthcare and technology, a lapse in cybersecurity doesn’t just impact a single institution—it endangers our standing as a global leader in innovation. Intelligent contracting and integrated digital infrastructure in these sectors are vital to prevent the loss of intellectual property and ensure that research can continue without fear of interference or loss.
“As we continue to expand and digitise critical sectors, such as healthcare and research, our digital infrastructure must be robust enough to protect against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. AI-powered cyber-attacks, which leverage personal data to create highly convincing scams or use deepfakes to impersonate trusted figures, are expected to rise. These attacks aren’t just a distant concern; they’re a present and growing risk that calls for proactive measures in our cybersecurity strategy.
“Investing in cybersecurity for public services is about more than just protection — it’s about maintaining public trust and ensuring the UK remains a safe, attractive destination for global businesses and investments. With well-structured policies, the right tools, and adequate funding, we can secure our digital future, safeguarding our economy and essential services for future generations.”
Police leavers
Meanwhile the rank and file police body the Police Federation has released its 2024 Police Leavers’ Survey to seek some reasons why officers are resigning or retiring. While some departures are inevitable as officers reach the age of retirement, the high number of resignations due to low morale, poor job satisfaction, and health concerns is worrying, the Federation said. Acting National Chair, Tiff Lynch, said the police service cannot afford to continue losing experienced officers at this rate. He said: “This survey clearly demonstrates urgent action is needed to address the retention crisis within our police forces. “It is deeply concerning that 27 per cent of police officers are resigning before reaching pension age, with low morale and poor job satisfaction cited as the main reasons.”
