The launch of star ratings for care homes and care agencies will give power to the customer and bring pressure to improve standards. The ratings will be based on reports from the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

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The non-emergency help number, 101, is increasingly being recognized as the start point for contacting public services. The benefits of an easily remembered number are starting to show in a range of areas, but it’s not possible to say if 999 calls have been reduced.

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The skills survey report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development reveals that in 45 per cent of public sector organizations there has been a cut in training budgets over the past 12 months. The indications are that the continued post-Gershon squeeze is encouraging employers to reduce the head count and to cut costs across personnel activities.

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