Local councils have been told they need to give better support to carers who manage direct payments for care services. The payments go dierectly to disabled and older people and their carers to pay for their own care arrangements but a report from Carers UK says the system has burdened some people with administration and payroll responsibilities.

Read more on CARERS CALL ON COUNCILS FOR MORE HELP IN DEALING WITH DIRECT PAYMENTS…

A new advisor to the Cabinet Office has been appointed to identify and promote opportunities for voluntary and charitable organisations to support the creation of better public services. The Labour MP for Stirling, Anne McGuire, will take on the role of Advisor on Third Sector Innovation.

Read more on CABINET OFFICE ADVISOR WILL PROMOTE OPPORTUNTIES FOR THIRD SECTOR…

By Andrea Waylen and Sarah Stewart-Brown.

There has been much concern about parenting in the UK and initiatives launched to tackle the problems. In their research the authors found that parents were doing a good job, but changes in circumstances did have an impact. They examined the parent-child relationships and how it changed over time and through alterations in circumstance. They identify where support is needed when things change for the worse.

Read more on IMPACT OF CHANGE ON PARENTING…