ESA re-tests 'pointless', says Green

3 October 2016
ESA re-tests 'pointless', says Green
Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green has said it was pointless to re-test recipients of the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) benefit wage if their illness was such that they had no prospect of recovering.
Thousands of people suffering from long-term sickness claiming ESA will no longer have to undertake regular medical assessments to keep receiving their payments.
Currently, more than two million people receive ESA, which is worth up to £109 per week.

Carers’ A&E visits preventable with more local support, Carer UK advises

30 September 2016
Carers’ A&E visits preventable with more local support, Carer UK advises
A report conducted by Carers UK has advised that one in 10 unpaid carers who called 999 or took their loved one to A&E did so because they had not been educated on what process to take in key care situations, and because of a lack of local support.

Installing speed cameras cuts road accidents by a third

30 September 2016
Installing speed cameras cuts road accidents by a third
New research published by the RAC Foundation has indicated that installing average speed cameras on roads can reduce the number of fatal and serious crashes by 36 per cent.

Aberdeenshire Council elects new co-leader after ‘Legogate’ row

30 September 2016
Aberdeenshire Council elects new co-leader after ‘Legogate’ row
Aberdeenshire Council has elected Alison Evison as its new co-leader, following the so-called Legogate row, in which the former council leader expressed dissatisfaction over his Legoland accommodation.

Plymouth Council investigates 11-plus exam leak

30 September 2016
Plymouth Council investigates 11-plus exam leak
Plymouth City Council has launched a fraud investigation after pupils have reported seeing the papers for their 11-plus English and Maths exams.

Rise in children in care as adoption numbers fall

30 September 2016
Rise in children in care as adoption numbers fall
The Times has reported that the number of children being adopted has fallen significantly for the first time in five years, despite record numbers being taken into care.

North east devolution revisited

29 September 2016
North east devolution revisited
North east devolution could be pursued again amid reports that three councils are seeking their own deal.