A new electronic publication has been launched to help local authorities prepare for new duties to be imposed on them from January 1st 2005 under the Freedom of Information Act. “Information is Power” has been produced by the Local Government Information Unit.The e-guide explains the law governing access to information for the public and elected councillors. It aims to help councillors, local authority officers and members of the public navigate what it calls “the maze of laws” that exist in England and Wales. It also describes the changes that are in train.

Read more on E-GUIDE TO INFORMATION ‘MAZE’…

The health needs of Britain’s Chinese population are being ignored in spite of Government commitments to tackle health inequalities amongst patients, according to a report following the first ever study of the issue. Now a leading cancer charity is to fund a specialist worker to try to tack the problems.The CIRCLE – cancer Information Relating to Chinese People in London and Environs – study was funded by Macmillan Cancer Relief. It found many Chinese people believe cancer can be caused by a bad mood, a weak body or poor quality blood. They believe, too, that food plays a part in causing cancer with bread, chicken skin and mouldy food being of most concern. The study also found a great reluctance to talk about cancer, even to close relatives. Most significantly the study found that Chinese people lack important information on the prevention of cancer, its causes, early symptoms and screening programmes.

Read more on UKCHINESE PEOPLE’S HEALTH NEEDS ‘IGNORED’…

By Adam Crawford and Stuart Lister. A mixed economy of residential patrolling has developed following the introduction in the last few years of legislative and policy measures. The authors look at the roles played by the various patrol providers including police and community support officers working to a contract, neighbourhood wardens, voluntary citizens, neighbourhood watch patrols and private security guards. They suggest changes to be made if the local delivery of policing is to become a more joined-up endeavour.