Council allowances hike to £7k
Tempers flared and party battle lines were drawn as councillors voted for their own huge cash increases last night.
GMP
30 Jan 2008
National News
New Focus for East Park Ward
East Park Liberal Democrats have started to deliver their latest Focus leaflet across the Ward. The main stories are: Darren Friel supports protest against shelter for homeless - 1267 sign petition; Rise in Council Tax Bills will lead to cuts in public services; No cardboard and plastic recycling; West Midlands needs Eurostar link says MEP; Darren sets to work on the improvement of road surfaces in East Park.
30 Jan 2008
More money to help disabled workers into sustained employment
More money will be available to help disabled workers move into sustained employment announced Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Peter Hain today.
30 Jan 2008
Needy 'face social care struggle'
Elderly and disabled people in England are increasingly being denied social services, a report says. The Commission for Social Care Inspection said councils were tightening their criteria which determines who is eligible for care. The watchdog said the situation meant there were 281,000 people in need of help receiving none while another 450,000 suffered shortfalls in care.
30 Jan 2008
Deaf boy's cotton wool bud 'cure'
A boy who has been partially deaf for nine years was suddenly cured - when a cotton wool bud popped out of his ear. Jerome Bartens was diagnosed as deaf in his right ear when he was just two and has struggled at school ever since.
30 Jan 2008
Is technology the answer to social care?
With the number of people over 65 predicted to rise from just under 10m to almost 17m in the next 50 years, experts are predicting a crisis in social care. To what extent can technology be used to bridge the gap?
30 Jan 2008