Only half of GPs are able to refer patients with depression to exercise schemes five years after guidance recommended exercise as a treatment in mild to moderate cases. A new report from the Mental Health Foundation says a number of factors are preventing patients getting exercise on prescription.

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Councils who are trying to support their local businesses through the recession are being urged to make the most of the part their own regulatory services can play. The Local Better Regulation Office is publishing a new document giving examples of best practice showing how issues ranging from work-related ill health to alcohol misuse and taxi licensing can all be tackled in ways that promote prosperity.

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This framework document from Communities and Local Government describes how regeneration is to be taken forward to reverse economic, social and physical decline in areas where market forces will not do this without government support.

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