Unregistered Children's Homes Charge £30,000 a Week
Ofsted warns of a 'shadow market' in children's care, with nearly 900 investigations launched into unregistered homes charging exorbitant fees. Urgent government action is demanded.
Category : Search result: social care backlog
Abuse trial adjourned to 2027 as court backlog hits victim
A West Midlands man alleges historical sexual abuse from the 1980s. His trial, delayed until July 2027, highlights a crown court backlog now nearing 80,000 cases. Read how delays are impacting justice.
Children's care home approved in Worcester despite objections
Worcester City Council approves converting a house into a children's care home on Woolhope Road, overriding neighbours' concerns about parking and neighbourhood character.
NatWest doubles social rent loan fund to £1bn
NatWest expands its ringfenced social rent loan fund to £1bn, aiming to accelerate the building of affordable homes and save housing associations up to £50m. Read the full announcement.
Birmingham bin strike leaves pensioner with last year's Christmas recycling
A Birmingham pensioner is dreading festive waste as the city's bin strike continues. Lorraine Boyce, 80, has recycling from last Christmas still stored in her home. Read her story and the latest on the industrial action.
Free NHS Prescriptions and Dental Care for Young Care Leavers
Young adults leaving care in England will receive free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests up to age 25. A new pilot also offers paid NHS internships and guaranteed interviews.
UK PM Starmer Eyes Under-16 Social Media Ban
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly weighing a social media ban for under-16s in the UK, closely monitoring Australia's new crackdown. Read the latest on the potential policy shift.
Smoking Ban Exception Planned for Supervised Crack Use
Scottish officials are weighing a historic change to the 2005 smoking ban to allow supervised crack cocaine smoking in Glasgow and Edinburgh facilities. Read the full story.
DVSA driving test rule changes confirmed for 2026
The DVSA announces two major changes for 2026 to tackle test backlogs and boost road safety, including new CPR questions and strict booking limits. Learn what it means for learners.
Driving Examiner Shortage Creates 22-Week Test Backlog
A staffing crisis and faulty booking system cause massive delays for UK driving tests, with waits averaging 22 weeks. Discover the impact on learners and the DVSA.
Royal Mail warns of delays in 60 postcodes before Christmas
Royal Mail warns of significant delivery delays in 60 UK postcodes due to staff sickness and festive mail volumes. Check if your area is affected and see advice for last-minute parcels.
£100k grant boosts veteran care home in Salford
Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford receives a £100,000 Army Benevolent Fund grant to enhance dementia care, activities, and quality of life for its elderly veteran residents.
Chefs mark 31st Christmas serving care home residents
Head chef Andy Pridmore and deputy Sarah Pell prepare festive feast for 31st year at Cedar Falls care home in Spalding. Read their heartwarming story of dedication.
Care Home and School Share Christmas Past in Edgbaston
Residents of Edgbaston Manor care home welcomed Harper Bell School pupils for a day of carols and shared memories, reviving festive traditions. Discover this heartwarming intergenerational story.
Driving test 7-week wait target delayed to 2027
A National Audit Office report reveals the target to cut driving test waits to seven weeks is delayed until 2027. Learn about the backlog and what's being done.
Moya Cole Hospice launches first-ever fundraising candle
Moya Cole Hospice partners with Molly Lou Candles to launch its first-ever scented candle. At £25, each sale donates £10 directly to patient care. Available online now.
Light Up a Life: Hospice's Emotional Tribute Services
Moya Cole Hospice held its annual Light Up a Life remembrance services at Manchester Cathedral. Families shared heartfelt stories of outstanding care, lighting candles for loved ones.
Nationwide: Men Over 45 Unprepared for Dementia Care
New research reveals a stark generational gap in readiness for dementia care, with men over 45 feeling significantly less prepared. Nationwide and Dementia UK urge those affected to seek support.
Centenarian's festive birthday with penguin visitors
Doris Griffiths, 101, celebrated her birthday by turning on the Christmas lights at her Chingford care home, The Spinney, with special guests: two Humboldt penguins. Read about the magical winter wonderland event.
Major DVSA driving test change to tackle 600k backlog
The government is banning third parties from booking driving tests to stop bots and touts exploiting learners. New rules aim to slash the huge waiting list.
AI for social workers: Council explores tech amid concerns
Worcestershire County Council is investigating AI to ease social workers' admin burden, but councillors warn professional judgement must be preserved. Read the latest.
Dudley Council: Safeguarding up 300%, drones, £10k row
Dudley Council faces a 300% rise in adult safeguarding cases, deploys drones against off-road bikes, and sparks a £10k spending row. Explore this week's key developments.
Six Centenarian Veterans Celebrated at Broughton House
George Evans marks his 100th birthday, joining five other centenarian veterans at Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford. Discover their incredible stories of service and longevity.
DWP: 114,000 claimants stuck in assessment backlog
Over 114,000 people on Universal Credit, ESA and Incapacity Benefit are awaiting vital Work Capability Assessments, the DWP has confirmed. Read the latest figures and what's being done.
Pilot Programme Transforms Children's Palliative Care
An independent evaluation reveals a pioneering three-year programme has successfully overhauled support for seriously ill children and their families in Lancashire and South Cumbria, filling critical service gaps.
Hospice funding crisis leaves 380 beds empty
Hospice UK warns of unsustainable funding as bed closures rise. The government's new palliative care framework offers hope, but immediate financial support is missing from the budget.
Cost Crisis Stops Young Drivers Getting Licences
Soaring costs and test backlogs force thousands to give up on driving. New research reveals nearly a quarter of young adults have no plans to learn. Read the full story.
Justice Secretary Announces Major Jury Trial Reforms
Justice Secretary David Lammy unveils sweeping reforms to reduce jury trials and introduce 'swift courts' to tackle record Crown Court delays, forecast to hit 100,000 cases. Read the full details.
Barry Care Home Coordinator Wins Top Wales Award
Linda Campbell, an activities coordinator at Springbank Nursing Home in Barry, has won a Bronze Outstanding Service Award at the prestigious Wales Care Awards for her two decades of dedicated service.
Why Your Christmas Houseplants Won't Flower
Discover why your Christmas cacti, poinsettias and orchids fail to bloom. Expert tips from houseplant podcast hosts reveal common mistakes and solutions for vibrant festive plants.
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