Research has revealed that pensioners in the UK are now an average of £20 a week better off than working households.
The Resolution Foundation has highlighted a reverse in income, with the £20 a week higher income in contrast to being £70 less well off than the average working household, as was the situation on 2001.

The NSPCC has reported a 16 per cent rise in reports to its helpline concerning substance abuse near children.
According to the children’s charity, the average of one contact every hour expressing concerns on either drugs or alcohol has seen over 20,000 referrals made to external agencies - including police and children’s services.
The publication of the figures marks the beginning of Children of Alcoholics Week, which aims to raise awareness of the problems and suffering associated with parental alcohol problems.

The City of Cardiff Council is considering suspending Right to Buy for five years in an effort to protect the city’s social housing stock.
A public consultation, carried out towards the end of 2016, showed considerable support for the proposal with 57.2 per cent of respondents agreeing to suspend the programme, with 30.4 per cent disagreeing.
The council’s cabinet will now be considered, and if accepted will see Right to Buy suspended for five years.

A new report has highlighted a period of ‘profound uncertainty’ for the UK environment as the UK leaves the EU.

Analysis by Sky News has revealed that fewer than 10 per cent of councils make recycling compulsory for their residents.
Responding to a Freedom of Information Act request by the news outlet, only 12 of the 200 replying local authorities confirmed that they considered recycling mandatory for households, despite all councils having to offer a recycling service.

A new report argues that prisons in England and Wales need a ‘profound culture change’ so that inmate safety is prioritised further.
There has been an unprecedented increase in the rates of suicide in UK prisons in the last few years, rising by 34 per cent, alongside a 40 per cent rise in violent incidents.

A report has highlighted a period of decline facing public parks and encourages councils to publish strategic plans to address the problem.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed that the government will return more powers to Rotherham council, bringing the majority of services back under the authority’s control.