Figures released today show that more than half a million people across England have lost access to NHS dentistry since Government reforms in April 2006. In the 24 months leading up to 30 September 2007 a total of 27.6 million patients were seen by an NHS dentist. This is a fall of 0.5 million compared with the 24 months leading up to the end of the old dental contract on 31 March 2006.
The Liberal Democrats have revealed figures showing that the declining value of the Winter Fuel Payment means it only just pays for a quarter of a pensioner's fuel bills. While the amount of the Winter Fuel Payment has been frozen at £200 for five years, fuel bills and the profits of energy companies have both risen.
Thousands of new homes for neighbourhoods of Rochdale are a step closer, following an agreement between Rochdale Council and developers BASE.
Researchers say they have made the most significant breakthrough for 15 years in the quest to understand the fatal condition Motor Neurone Disease (MND). A team says a mutated gene is behind one form of the disease - and can be used to understand it better.
A man and two youths who kicked a disabled man to death over a £5 bet have been jailed for life. Brent Martin, 23, who had learning difficulties, died in hospital after he was found in a pool of blood on Sunderland's Town End Farm estate.
People who care for elderly relatives will no longer have their benefits cut if they get a job under government plans, Harriet Harman has said. The women's minister told a newspaper she wanted to make it easier for carers to have a job at the same time.