Disabled parents and their children often receive fragmented and inadequate support, says a new study by the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Fragmentation has developed following the restructuring of services within councils where separate adults’ and children’s services have been created. This has led to competition about ‘who owns the family’.

Read more on SOCIAL CARE WATCHDOG CALLS ON COUNCILS TO MIND THE GAP…

Almost two thirds of adults are mis-using emergency help services by dialling 999 in non-urgent situations, according to research commissioned by ntl:Telewest Business. The study revealed that confusion is rife over situations that warrant 999 calls, with a quarter of adults admitting they would dial emergency services to report graffiti, vandalism and other deliberate damage to property and almost a fifth insisting they would call about a stolen bike.

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This report from the Audit Commission sets out a framework for a scrutiny review of youth antisocial behaviour and it describes the availability of activities to reduce or prevent it.

Youth anti-social behaviour is a local concern in many areas, and most people agree that ‘having nothing to do’ is a trigger. Scrutiny provides an opportunity for elected members to engage with a complex topic, assess what is happening locally, and identify opportunities for improvement. Scrutiny panels or committees can review issues from several different viewpoints.

Read more on TIRED OF HANGING AROUND…