A teen accused of murdering three young girls in a knife attack in northern England in July has been further charged with a terrorism offence and the production of deadly poison ricin, authorities say.

A substantial overhaul of the under-funded attendance system is needed, says the Education Review Office, as chronic absence reaches crisis point.

"We've told them again and again and again. Fix it, please just fix it."

Council staff have added a last-minute item to today’s DCC meeting agenda, asking councillors to approve $146,099 for the Save Our Southern Hospital campaign.