Politics

MPs launch new independent social care inquiry

Partnership Large_RGBThe All Party Parliamentary Local Government Group, one of the largest All Party Groups in Parliament has launched an inquiry on future care provision. 

This Parliamentary Group is drawn from MPs and Peers from all parties across both the House of Commons and House of Lords.

The inquiry, sponsored by Partnership, will review how local authorities enable citizens to be financially independent.   This will enable the Parliamentary Group to respond with authority to Government’s Social Care White Paper on the future of care and funding, expected in May.

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BMA leader calls on doctors to limit the most damaging effects of the Health and Social Care Bill

BMA logoFollowing the final debate on the Health and Social Care Bill in the Houses of Parliament, the BMA’s Chairman of Council has called on doctors to look to the future and do what they can to “limit its more damaging aspects.”

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Response calls for a Commissioner for Older People

Nick SandersonNick Sanderson, Chairman of the Association of Retirement Villages and CEO of Audley Retirement Villages, said:

“It’s high time that the needs of older people were recognised and met. The appointment of a dedicated Commissioner would boost the focus on later life issues but it will only work if the role is filled by a member of the later life community who is supported by a team drawn from the same peer group."

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Reaction to Nick Clegg’s call for a “John Lewis” economy

Nick Clegg today called for a move to employee share ownership as model for the future and stated that the government would be promoting this approach.

This model was seen by Clegg as responsible capitalism at its best.  He claimed that it was important for employees to have a stake in their companies and that this model led to higher productivity and wages and less absenteeism.

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Growing care crisis as charges for elderly home care top £7000 a year

A new survey of care provided by local councils, published today by Labour, reveals shocking increases and wide disparities in charges for services for vulnerable elderly and disabled people.

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Government sets up Working Group on frozen pensions

After continuing pressure from the public and MPs, coordinated by the International Consortium of British Pensioners, the government has decided to set up an official Working Group to look into the issue of frozen pensions.

 

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New report from Parliamentary Ombudsman says reform of the MP filter is long overdue

Ann Abraham_2010The overwhelming majority of respondents to the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s recent direct access consultation support the removal of the legal requirement for complaints to her Office to be referred by an MP, according to a report on the consultation published today. Of 113 responses received, 91 expressed a direct preference for removing the MP filter, with strong support for a ‘dual track’ approach which would allow complainants the option of either making a complaint through an MP or accessing the Parliamentary Ombudsman directly.

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New demands for "decent" pensions

The poorest are paying the highest price

A campaign demanding the basic state pension is raised above the official poverty level of £178 a week has been launched by Britain’s biggest pensioner pressure group. The national pensioner’s convention is also calling for a national care service paid for through general taxation as well as a winter fuel allowance of £500 per pensioner household.

Rights in retirement organisers hope the “rights in retirement” campaign will address some of the financial pressures that now face the country’s older population.

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Frozen Out

Outcry as hundreds left to die from cold every day this winter

The elderly will suffer more than ever this winter as energy bills rocket and pensioner fuel allowances are reduced - leading to 200 deaths a day, charities have warned.

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