New regulations have been drawn up that will allow local authorities to postpone the budgetary impact of any losses they incur through last year’s collapse of the Icelandic banks. The Local Government Minister, John Healey, has laid regulations before Parliament to protect people from potential service cuts or council tax increases while efforts continue to recover the money that was invested in Iceland.

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Social services directors have warned of major problems with a planned new, single local authority and health service complaints procedure. The new system is due to come into effect on April 1st but the Association of Directors of Social Services fears there could be delays and confusion.

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By Erika Bugnar

The elderly population of the UK is growing rapidly. By 2032 people aged 65-plus are expected to make up almost a quarter of the population. Because of local opposition to planning applications it is proving difficult to match demand with new developments. The author examines the source of opposition and looks at ways of responding to the concerns of residents and stakeholders.

Read more on IS THE FUTURE OF OUR ELDERLY POPULATION IN THE HANDS OF NIMBYs?…