Local authorities say they want care inspectors to act quickly in cases where they find homes for the elderly are failing to come up to standard. In its response to the Care Quality Commission’s report into the quality of adult social services, the Local Government Association said it was important that it did not undermine confidence in what councils were doing.

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A city council’s project to save energy used by information and communication technology has been short listed for a European award. The Bristol Council scheme was launched only a month ago following a ground breaking study of businesses in the city.

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By Martin Evans and Lewis Williams

The huge changes to social policy since 1979 have created winners and losers. The authors describe the effect of the changes on typical families of high, medium and low earners.

Read more on COMPARING TAXES AND BENEFITS IN 1979, 1997 AND 2008…