The Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit report “Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People”, published in January 2005, recommended that the individual budgets approach should be extended to families with disabled children. Taking this forward, the Council for Disabled Children recommended a review of the current market for services for disabled children and the potential for its development.Many parents of disabled children report that there are often no appropriate providers from which to purchase the services they need. The services required include education and schooling, social care and related services, health care, information and advocacy and support.

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The Scottish Parliament has signed a contract with LogicaCMG UK Ltd, which will provide its information technology support services. The contract, which was approved by the Parliament’s Corporate Body, covers core services including IT security, network support, systems installation and maintenance. The new deal also has the potential to deliver future IT projects, such as updating technology.

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The Government is setting up a Standing Commission, which will report on the role of people caring for elderly or ill family members and friends. The announcement comes with a wide-ranging consultation already under way on a new deal for carers.

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