A new report is calling for local councils to be given more power over the provision of adult skills. The report, from the New Local Government Network, proposes a more streamlined skills model with more funding and control moving from Whitehall to local councils. 

Figures published today show that fire services are rescuing more than 300 people a week from fires and road accidents. The figures have been released for the first time by the Fire Brigades Union.
The FBU says the total number of people rescued by the fire service will be larger than the 322 in today’s report because some statistics, such as numbers of people rescued from flooding, or the London terrorist attacks, are not included. 

This report from the Department of Work and Pensions provides reasons to explain the relatively high levels of worklessness apparent within the social rented sector.
The research revealed characteristics which lead to the weak competitive position of many social tenants in the labour market. They include health issues, childcare responsibilities, debt, drug and alcohol dependence, criminal records and multiple disadvantage.