Local councils are facing a call to find new ways to ensure that most older people do not miss out on moves towards ‘person-centred care’. Figures today from the national charity, Counsel and Care, show the cost of care at home for older people is rising rapidly and is up to 18 pounds an hour in one case.
Today’s figures show the average hourly charge for council care services is 12.84 pounds compared to just over 11 pounds an hour a year ago, an increase of 16 per cent. 

Using volunteers to deliver some public sector services is good for the nation’s health according to new research. The study from the University of Wales, Lampeter, shows that volunteering can mean people live longer and is good for their health and well-being and for the people they help.
The study found that volunteering had a positive effect on people’s self-esteem, led to a reduction in hospital visits and could even combat depression, stress and pain. 

This framework for effective third sector participation in Local Strategic Partnerships from Communities and Local Government sets out a series of principles by which the best of partnership working has succeeded. Its purpose is to support the development of partnerships locally, rather than present a template to be followed.
The third sector is key to delivering ambitions to strengthen the involvement of the community in shaping better places.