http://www.communitycare.co.uken-gbFri, 10 Feb 2012 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117977/lga-steps-in-to-tackle-councils-adult-safeguarding-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117977/lga-steps-in-to-tackle-councils-adult-safeguarding-failings.htmlThe Local Government Association has stepped in to address adult safeguarding failings at Wirral Council by setting up a board to drive improvement. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117974/how-telecare-can-defuse-chronic-conditions-timebomb.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117974/how-telecare-can-defuse-chronic-conditions-timebomb.htmlWalsall is making telecare a default component of care packages to boost independence for people with chronic conditions and manage the rising costs of supporting this group, says council adult care director Paul Davies. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117969/cqc-personalisation-lacking-in-winterbourne-style-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117969/cqc-personalisation-lacking-in-winterbourne-style-services.htmlMany learning disability hospitals and care homes are failing to provide person-centred care, the Care Quality Commission has found in its national review triggered by the Winterbourne View case. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117965/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-right-to-limit-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117965/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-right-to-limit-care-funding.htmlThe Supreme Court is to rule on councils' right to take resources into account in determining the levels of care they will fund for users, in a case that could have significant implications for social care funding. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117964/mps-unify-health-and-social-care-to-tackle-funding-shortfall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117964/mps-unify-health-and-social-care-to-tackle-funding-shortfall.htmlAdult care and health should be brought under a single commissioner in each area to improve support for older people and help solve social care's funding crisis, the health select committee, chaired by Stephen Dorrell (pictured), said today.Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/06/117962/adult-social-workers-pessimistic-but-proud-finds-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/06/117962/adult-social-workers-pessimistic-but-proud-finds-college.htmlAdult social workers feel pessimistic about the future of their practice because of bureaucracy and care management, but still believe they make a difference, The College of Social Work has found. (Photo: Rex Features) Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117955/burstow-social-work-to-be-at-heart-of-care-white-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117955/burstow-social-work-to-be-at-heart-of-care-white-paper.htmlSocial work will be at the heart of the government's forthcoming adult care White Paper, with the profession's role expected to switch from rationing care to community development, Paul Burstow has said. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117954/lords-vote-to-reject-50-cuts-to-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117954/lords-vote-to-reject-50-cuts-to-disabled-children.htmlDisability campaigners are celebrating today after peers from across the House of Lords voted yesterday to reject a 50% cut to disabled children’s benefits. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/31/117952/social-workers-need-better-mental-capacity-act-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/31/117952/social-workers-need-better-mental-capacity-act-training.htmlSocial workers need more effective training and guidance in applying the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to take decisions on behalf of service users and support them to make decisions for themselves. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/30/117948/social-care-funding-gap-has-widened-by-500m-says-age-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/30/117948/social-care-funding-gap-has-widened-by-500m-says-age-uk.htmlThe gap between social care funding and need has grown by £500m for older people in England in 2011-12, compounding a situation in which 800,000 pensioners were already going without services. (Image: Rex Features). Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmlSocial work performance management has become associated with bureaucracy, a negligible impact on quality and poor morale. However, one council says that it has designed and implemented a system that has delivered precisely the opposite. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117944/social-workers-urged-to-support-distressed-cancer-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117944/social-workers-urged-to-support-distressed-cancer-carers.htmlSocial care professionals have been urged to increase assessment levels for carers of cancer patients after a survey found half were receiving no support and a similar proportion were experiencing mental distress. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/25/117941/council-staff-reluctant-to-signpost-clients-to-equity-release.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/25/117941/council-staff-reluctant-to-signpost-clients-to-equity-release.htmlCouncil staff have proved reluctant to signpost older clients to equity release schemes to fund low-level support at home, research has found. (Image: Rex Features) Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/24/117940/nhs-must-spend-more-on-adult-social-care-say-mps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/24/117940/nhs-must-spend-more-on-adult-social-care-say-mps.htmlThe NHS should spend more on adult social care to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of support for people with long-term conditions, MPs said today. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmlA recent Court of Appeal judgement was described as the death of the deprivation of liberty safeguards. However, best interests assessor Lorraine Currie disagrees, and says Lord Justice Munby's ruling provides useful tools for practitioners.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117933/care-provider-fined-for-leaving-staff-at-risk-of-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117933/care-provider-fined-for-leaving-staff-at-risk-of-violence.htmlA care provider has been fined £14,000 for leaving staff at risk of violence from a client (Image: Rex).Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmlUnmanageable caseloads are making it impossible for social workers to practice ethically, the British Association of Social Workers warned today as it issued a revised version of its code of ethics. (Image: Rex Features). Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/17/117928/500000-to-lose-out-on-disability-living-allowance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/17/117928/500000-to-lose-out-on-disability-living-allowance.htmlHalf a million disabled people would lose out on benefits through the government's reform to disability living allowance, it revealed today. (Pic: Voisin/Phanie/Rex Features) Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/16/117926/government-waters-down-disability-living-allowance-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/16/117926/government-waters-down-disability-living-allowance-cuts.htmlThe government has watered down its controversial cuts to disabilty living allowance (DLA) by dropping plans to double the period after the onset of disability before which people can qualify for the benefit (Image: Rex). Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117923/900-adult-care-staff-join-nhs-in-biggest-integration-deal-yet.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117923/900-adult-care-staff-join-nhs-in-biggest-integration-deal-yet.htmlNine hundred adult social care staff, including social workers, will be transferred to the NHS to create the biggest integrated health and social care provider in the UK, it was confirmed today. (Image: Rex Features). Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmlLast week’s launch of The College of Social Work has posed each of England’s approximately 85,000 social workers with a simple question: to join or not to join? Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/10/117915/government-concealed-scale-of-opposition-to-benefit-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/10/117915/government-concealed-scale-of-opposition-to-benefit-reform.htmlCampaigners have accused the government of giving a misleading account of the true extent of opposition to disability benefit reform (Pic: Voisin/Phanie/Rex Features)Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmlSocial care professionals should be at the heart of multi-disciplinary teams in every area to manage the care of people with long-term conditions and make a reality of integrated care, the government has been told. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117905/legalise-assisted-suicide-for-terminally-ill-says-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117905/legalise-assisted-suicide-for-terminally-ill-says-inquiry.htmlAssisted dying should be legalised for terminally ill people so long as they are not put under pressure to end their lives and palliative care is much improved, a major inquiry has concluded (Image: Alamy). Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117904/disabled-social-worker-wins-mbe-after-nomination-by-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117904/disabled-social-worker-wins-mbe-after-nomination-by-client.htmlAmong the 984 people honoured in the New Year list was sensory impairment social worker Henry Mayne, whose MBE is the result of a nomination from a client he worked with a few years ago. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117903/carers-disproportionately-hit-by-government-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117903/carers-disproportionately-hit-by-government-cuts.htmlCarers will be disproportionately hit by government benefit cuts over the coming years, research published today shows. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro has been awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List following her review into child protection, which last year called for sweeping reforms to assessments and performance management. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117902/social-care-staff-urged-to-blow-the-whistle-on-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117902/social-care-staff-urged-to-blow-the-whistle-on-abuse.htmlSocial care staff and employers are being urged to blow the whistle on abuse and poor practice through a helpline formerly open to NHS staff only. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/23/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/23/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmlCare funding deadlock, industrial strife and a change of leadership at a key agency. We gaze into our crystal ball to predict what 2012 might hold for social care (Pic: Everett Collection/Rex Features )Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmlWhile cuts have dominated social care in 2011 some proposed funding reductions and organisational closures have been successfully reversed. Here are our top five victories against the cuts. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117889/carers-uk-names-age-uk-director-as-new-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117889/carers-uk-names-age-uk-director-as-new-chief.htmlCarers UK has named Heléna Herklots as its new chief executive. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117887/hospital-dementia-care-blighted-by-inadequate-staff-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117887/hospital-dementia-care-blighted-by-inadequate-staff-training.htmlInadequate staff training and an impersonal approach to care is blighting the experiences of dementia patients in hospitals, a major national study has concluded. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117885/key-long-term-conditions-policy-branded-a-failure-by-nao.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117885/key-long-term-conditions-policy-branded-a-failure-by-nao.htmlOutcomes for people with long-term neurological conditions have stalled or deteriorated, six years on from a key policy to improve support for the group and despite significantly increased funding for care. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117883/book-review-working-with-adults-at-risk-of-harm.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117883/book-review-working-with-adults-at-risk-of-harm.htmlThis is an interesting book that considers the common characteristics between different states of vulnerability, which may occur within a range of contexts, particularly health, social and community care, writes Bridget Penhale.Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117881/domestic-violence-definition-to-include-victims-aged-under-18.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117881/domestic-violence-definition-to-include-victims-aged-under-18.htmlCampaigners have hailed government proposals to widen the definition of domestic violence to include victims aged under 18 and those who have experienced ongoing controlling behaviour from partners. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117879/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-integrated-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117879/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-integrated-in-scotland.htmlAdult social care and health will be integrated in Scotland to help tackle delayed discharged from hospital and cost-shunting between councils and the NHS, under plans outlined yesterday by the country's government (Image: REX features). Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117877/book-review-reminiscence-and-life-story-work-a-practice-guide.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117877/book-review-reminiscence-and-life-story-work-a-practice-guide.htmlThis book would prove to be an invaluable tool to anyone involved in reminiscence work, from paid carers or family members to trained professionals, writes Ian Taylor. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117874/dh-orders-probe-into-cqc-following-board-members-criticisms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117874/dh-orders-probe-into-cqc-following-board-members-criticisms.htmlThe Department of Health has ordered a probe into the Care Quality Commission following significant criticisms of its leadership from board member Kay Sheldon. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117873/burstow-users-to-shape-new-online-care-ratings-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117873/burstow-users-to-shape-new-online-care-ratings-system.htmlUsers and carers' opinions on care services will be published alongside ratings of their quality on an online "good care guide" designed to replace the star ratings scrapped last year, Paul Burstow has said. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmlCouncils responsible for social care in England will have £1.5bn taken out of their budgets next year, the government has said. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117866/cqc-finds-leadership-gap-in-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117866/cqc-finds-leadership-gap-in-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlLeadership and governance need to be stronger in learning disabilities hospitals and care homes, the Care Quality Commission has said. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117867/survey-reveals-plight-of-families-with-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117867/survey-reveals-plight-of-families-with-disabled-children.htmlNearly three-quarters of families with disabled children have experienced anxiety, depression or family breakdown, according to the latest research by Contact a Family. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmlCouncils across England have shed 145,000 jobs over the past year and the number is set to rise, according to a report published today by the Audit Commission. Unison head of local government Heather Wakefield (pictured), said: "Councils have already made far more job cuts than they said would be necessary. This report shows that the worst is yet to come.” Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117863/ageing-workforce-poses-problems-for-palliative-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117863/ageing-workforce-poses-problems-for-palliative-social-work.htmlPalliative care social work faces recruitment problems in England after a survey revealed almost half of specialist practitioners were aged over 50. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117852/mps-warn-ministers-of-new-care-home-crisis-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117852/mps-warn-ministers-of-new-care-home-crisis-risk.htmlThe Department of Health must "get to grips with the very real risks to the social care market" to avoid another Southern Cross-style failure, an influential group of MPs warned today. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117856/government-wants-mass-roll-out-of-telecare-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117856/government-wants-mass-roll-out-of-telecare-services.htmlThe government is bidding to roll out telecare or telehealth devices to three million people with long-term conditions after a large-scale evaluation found they could significantly cut death rates and costs for the NHS. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlAdult safeguarding consultant Patrick Worthington (pictured) examines the key practice issues facing social care professionals in keeping adults at risk safe at a time of austerity and changeMon, 05 Dec 2011 14:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117847/almost-50-of-carers-made-ill-by-money-worries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117847/almost-50-of-carers-made-ill-by-money-worries.htmlA survey of more than 4,000 carers by Carers UK for Carers Rights Day today has found that almost 47% were being made ill by money worries. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117848/wider-remit-risks-diverting-cqc-from-regulating-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117848/wider-remit-risks-diverting-cqc-from-regulating-care.htmlThe Care Quality Commission risks being distracted from its core role of regulating health and adult social care services by government plans to extend its responsibilities, the National Audit Office warned today. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117846/disabled-people-in-care-homes-to-retain-dla-benefit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117846/disabled-people-in-care-homes-to-retain-dla-benefit.htmlDisabled people living in residential care will continue to receive the mobility component of the disability living allowance and personal independence payment, minister for disabled people Maria Miller announced today. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117842/government-grants-cqc-request-for-cash-to-fund-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117842/government-grants-cqc-request-for-cash-to-fund-inspections.htmlThe Department of Health has granted the Care Quality Commission's request for greater funding to finance annual inspections of adult care services and others it regulates. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117837/adult-care-was-being-trimmed-before-coalition-cuts-started.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117837/adult-care-was-being-trimmed-before-coalition-cuts-started.htmlSocial care services were being trimmed in England even before the coalition's major programme of cuts kicked in this year, figures published today indicate. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmlSocial care will face deeper cuts lasting until 2017 on the back of chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement issued yesterday. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmlGovernment ministers have defended the College of Social Work’s tie-up with Unison following criticism from the education select committee earlier this month. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmlPublic sector pay will be squeezed until 2015 and cuts to services will continue until 2017, chancellor George Osborne announced today in his Autumn Statement (Image: Steve Back). Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117830/cqc-board-member-calls-for-chief-cynthia-bower-to-resign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117830/cqc-board-member-calls-for-chief-cynthia-bower-to-resign.htmlA Care Quality Commission board member has called for the resignation of chief executive Cynthia Bower (pictured) over a lack of leadership capability at the regulator. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117829/ten-charged-with-abuse-at-winterbourne-view.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117829/ten-charged-with-abuse-at-winterbourne-view.htmlTen people have been charged with abusing or neglecting patients at Winterbourne View Hospital for people with learning disabilities. (Image from BBC Panorama). Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/25/117827/government-u-turn-on-scrapping-mobility-allowance-expected.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/25/117827/government-u-turn-on-scrapping-mobility-allowance-expected.htmlThe government looks set to back down from controversial plans to remove up to £50 a week in mobility benefits from disabled people in care homes. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117821/checks-on-sickness-benefit-awards-to-ensure-fairness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117821/checks-on-sickness-benefit-awards-to-ensure-fairness.htmlThe government is to introduce checks on decisions to award sickness benefits to ensure fairness and consistency, following the publication of the second independent review of the work capability assessment today. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117824/spend-on-carers-down-2.4m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117824/spend-on-carers-down-2.4m.htmlPrimary care trust spending on carers has fallen by £2.4m over the past year despite additional government investment, an investigation by two carers organisations has found.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117818/burstow-toughens-requirements-on-nhs-to-fund-carers-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117818/burstow-toughens-requirements-on-nhs-to-fund-carers-breaks.htmlThe government has toughened requirements on the NHS to fund carers' services after admitting funding allocated for the purpose was not being spent as desired.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117817/deafblind-people-failed-by-revamped-dla-test.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117817/deafblind-people-failed-by-revamped-dla-test.htmlDeafblind people risk being failed by the government's overhaul of disability living allowance after service users found a trial of the assessment process "stressful" and "inconsistent".Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117822/council-slammed-for-using-untrained-staff-for-care-reviews.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117822/council-slammed-for-using-untrained-staff-for-care-reviews.htmlNorthamptonshire Council has been slammed for failing to carry out required reviews of care packages and using unqualified staff to do so, in a damning report into two cases from the local government ombudsman today.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117820/skills-for-care-develops-careers-e-tool.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117820/skills-for-care-develops-careers-e-tool.htmlSkills for Care has created an interactive career pathways e-tool for people considering starting in social care and those already working in the sector who are keen to see what their career development opportunities might be.Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117797/human-rights-act-must-be-extended-to-private-home-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117797/human-rights-act-must-be-extended-to-private-home-care.htmlHuman rights protections should be extended to publicly-funded users of private home care services, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has urged after finding widespread abuses in the sector. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117808/nhs-and-council-ignored-learning-disabled-mans-human-rights.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117808/nhs-and-council-ignored-learning-disabled-mans-human-rights.htmlA council and NHS trust have been slammed for "ignoring the basic human rights" of a man with Down's syndrome. “Mr J's rights, best interests, and family relationships were not taken into account when the trust and the council made plans for his care,” said health service ombudsman Ann Abraham (pictured) Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117804/cqc-to-probe-standards-of-home-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117804/cqc-to-probe-standards-of-home-care.htmlStandards of home care in England will be investigated by the Care Quality Commission to shine a light on services that operate "behind closed doors", says chief executive Cynthia Bower (pictured). Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117798/care-home-arts-activities-at-risk-from-council-cuts-warns-provider-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117798/care-home-arts-activities-at-risk-from-council-cuts-warns-provider-chief.html Arts activities are at risk of being cut back as local authorities cut care home funding, the National Care Forum chief executive has warned. Despite...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117787/the-impact-of-competitive-tendering-on-social-services-and-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117787/the-impact-of-competitive-tendering-on-social-services-and-service-users.htmlMark Drinkwater reports on how competitive tendering of services can leave staff, and service users, feeling all at sea Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117790/nlgn-government-must-rethink-personal-budgets-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117790/nlgn-government-must-rethink-personal-budgets-target.htmlThe government must relax its 2013 target for 100% take-up of personal budgets in adult social care, according to the New Local Government Network.Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117755/serious-case-review-of-womans-death-reveals-support-gaps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117755/serious-case-review-of-womans-death-reveals-support-gaps.htmlMajor gaps in support for vulnerable adults with undiagnosed learning disabilities have been exposed by the exploitation and murder of Gemma Hayter (pictured), who was beaten to death in August 2010 by people she considered her friends, a serious case review has found. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117746/research-supported-housing-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117746/research-supported-housing-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlReducing the number of people with learning disabilities in residential care requires a creative, personalised approach, writes Dr Trish Hafford-Letchfield Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/13/117744/helping-people-with-learning-disabilities-take-control-of-their-lives.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/13/117744/helping-people-with-learning-disabilities-take-control-of-their-lives.htmlA project to help learning disabled people take charge of their support is helping Cornwall shed its legacy of abuse, reports Maria Ahmed Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117753/care-homes-jubilant-as-council-agrees-to-review-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117753/care-homes-jubilant-as-council-agrees-to-review-fees.htmlCare home leaders are celebrating after a council ordered a review of its fees for providers under threat of a judicial review challenge.Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117752/unlawful-threshold-rise-sends-message-to-councils-on-care-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117752/unlawful-threshold-rise-sends-message-to-councils-on-care-cuts.htmlThe Isle of Wight Council's increase in eligibility thresholds for adult care this year was unlawful, it was ruled today, in a judgement today that "sends a very clear message" to other councils considering cuts. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlWho are the people whose ideas have done the most to shape the nature of social work? Community Care profiles some of the profession's most influential brain boxes Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117739/burstow-bid-to-use-dols-to-curb-antipsychotics-use-draconian.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117739/burstow-bid-to-use-dols-to-curb-antipsychotics-use-draconian.htmlConcerns have been raised over "draconian" proposals from care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) to use the deprivation of liberty safeguards to crack down on inappropriate prescriptions of antipsychotic drugs to sedate people with dementia. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/09/117737/councils-boost-reablement-services-with-cash-from-nhs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/09/117737/councils-boost-reablement-services-with-cash-from-nhs.htmlReablement services are being expanded significantly across England on the back of £648m transferred from the NHS to local authorities this year. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/08/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/08/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmlThe row over the creation of the College of Social Work deepened today as the British Association of Social Workers was accused of "unethical" and "unprincipled" behaviour by Allan Bowman (pictured), the chair of the Social Care Institute for Excellence. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117732/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-guide-for-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117732/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-guide-for-care-homes.htmlCare homes sometimes find it difficult to identify when they are depriving a resident of their liberty. Here deprivation of liberty safeguards expert John Leighton sets out what they need to look out for.Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117724/employers-fail-to-refer-abusive-care-workers-to-watchdog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117724/employers-fail-to-refer-abusive-care-workers-to-watchdog.htmlHealth and social care employers are failing to report cases of staff found to have harmed or abused service users, the Independent Safeguarding Authority has warned, after figures revealed the extent of abuse within services. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmlCommunity Care takes the difficult decision to close the print magazine and focus all its energy and resources on supporting social care professionals online. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117713/30000-cases-of-abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-last-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117713/30000-cases-of-abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-last-year.htmlCouncils identifed over 30,000 cases of abuse of vulnerable adults last year, according to official figures from the NHS Information Centre Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmlDespite the imminent formation of the College of Social Work many social workers and social work students do not know the difference between a regulator and a professional body. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117702/how-a-board-game-is-helping-social-care-staff-implement-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117702/how-a-board-game-is-helping-social-care-staff-implement-personalisation.htmlA board game that helps staff, providers and service users understand personalisation has succeeded in changing the culture in some organisations, reports Louise HuntWed, 02 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117686/care-complaints-in-elderly-care-treble-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117686/care-complaints-in-elderly-care-treble-in-wales.htmlThe number of referrals to the Care Council for Wales (CCW) involving student social workers has fallen over the past two years, according to latest figures. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117683/merged-user-led-disability-charity-to-have-more-clout.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117683/merged-user-led-disability-charity-to-have-more-clout.htmlA new super-charity led by disabled people will have more influence on policy and greater fundraising clout than its three predecessor organisations put together.Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117673/book-review-of-learning-difficulties-and-sexual-vulnerability.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117673/book-review-of-learning-difficulties-and-sexual-vulnerability.htmlI found this book thought-provoking and a welcome challenge to established ideas about vulnerability, writes Beth Billington. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117667/supporting-people-cuts-put-people-at-risk-and-shunt-costs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117667/supporting-people-cuts-put-people-at-risk-and-shunt-costs.htmlSupporting People cuts will put vulnerable people at risk and shunt costs on to other parts of the care and support system, councils have warned. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117654/should-scrs-be-mandatory-when-vulnerable-adults-are-killed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117654/should-scrs-be-mandatory-when-vulnerable-adults-are-killed.htmlCalls to mandate serious case reviews when adults at risk are murdered fail to recognise there are other ways of learning lessons, finds Natalie Valios Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117659/disability-groups-merge-to-form-largest-user-led-charity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117659/disability-groups-merge-to-form-largest-user-led-charity.htmlThe National Centre for Independent Living, Radar and Disability Alliance are to merge to form the country's largest disability organisation led by disabled people themselves. Radar chief executive Liz Sayce (pictured) is due to take the helm of Disability Rights UK, which will launch on 1 January. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117658/dilnot-proposals-will-not-deliver-insurance-market-for-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117658/dilnot-proposals-will-not-deliver-insurance-market-for-care.htmlThe insurance industry is unlikely to back the Dilnot Commission's proposals to reform adult care funding, according to a think-tank chief.Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117647/how-disability-services-can-benefit-from-voluntary-sector-input.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117647/how-disability-services-can-benefit-from-voluntary-sector-input.htmlKate Baxter reviews research showing how the third sector can innovate in order to deliver care in times of cuts and restraint Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117637/a-third-of-disabled-children-missing-out-on-holiday-childcare.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117637/a-third-of-disabled-children-missing-out-on-holiday-childcare.htmlOne in three parents of disabled children received no holiday childcare during summer 2011, according to a survey conducted by KIDS in partnership with Mencap. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117639/social-workers-are-central-to-childrens-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117639/social-workers-are-central-to-childrens-personalisation.htmlSocial workers should have a key role in the personalisation agenda for disabled children to ensure the needs of families do not eclipse the needs of children, according to the Council for Disabled Children. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117636/councils-dont-know-how-to-identify-carers-says-charity-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117636/councils-dont-know-how-to-identify-carers-says-charity-chief.htmlMany councils are failing to support carers effectively because they do not know how to find them, outgoing Carers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond has warmed.Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117377/the-role-of-the-social-care-broker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117377/the-role-of-the-social-care-broker.htmlPersonalisation and personal budgets have brought new skills and jobs in social care, including brokerage. But it is unclear what this role involves and who should be doing it. Steve Dowson argues it is best done independently of the local authority rather than by council care managers Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117625/personal-budgets-emphasis-risks-excluding-complex-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117625/personal-budgets-emphasis-risks-excluding-complex-needs.htmlThe emphasis on providing personal budgets for all risks failing to deliver personalised care for people with the most complex needs, a report from Demos warns today.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117618/councils-urged-to-sign-up-to-new-personalisation-indicators.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117618/councils-urged-to-sign-up-to-new-personalisation-indicators.htmlCouncils and providers have been urged to sign up to a new suite of indicators on personalisation and publish details of their progress against them. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117619/cut-social-workers-planning-role-to-empower-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117619/cut-social-workers-planning-role-to-empower-users.htmlSocial workers' role in support planning should be radically reduced to enable service users to take control of deciding how to spend their personal budgets, an influential paper said this week. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117620/cut-bureaucracy-for-service-users-councils-told.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117620/cut-bureaucracy-for-service-users-councils-told.htmlRestrictions on how service users spend personal budgets should be lifted, say sector leaders. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/16/117613/cqc-failing-to-protect-adults-abused-or-neglected-in-hospital.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/16/117613/cqc-failing-to-protect-adults-abused-or-neglected-in-hospital.htmlThe Care Quality Commission is failing to protect adults experiencing abuse or neglect in hospitals, Action on Elder Abuse has claimed in a damning report.Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/15/117663/pcts-facing-more-appeals-against-continuing-care-decisions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/15/117663/pcts-facing-more-appeals-against-continuing-care-decisions.htmlThe NHS faced more appeals against decisions to deny people continuing healthcare funding last year and a greater proportion were successful, Community Care research shows. (Picture: Rex, posed by model)Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmlSome social care staff struggle to deliver person-centred care. But a report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation offers advice on how many of the perceived barriers can be overcome with the right attitude and commitment Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117608/vital-role-of-appropriate-adult-to-help-vulnerable-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117608/vital-role-of-appropriate-adult-to-help-vulnerable-people.htmlSocial workers have much to offer and to gain from becoming an appropriate adult to help vulnerable people in criminal investigations. Gordon Carson looks at the role Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117595/patients-stripped-of-dignity-in-hospitals-warns-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117595/patients-stripped-of-dignity-in-hospitals-warns-cqc.htmlPatients are being "stripped of their dignity" on many hospital wards because of poor staff attitudes, inadequate leadership and stretched resources, the Care Quality Commission warned today. (Picture posed by model, Rex) Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117584/government-will-not-prop-up-failing-care-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117584/government-will-not-prop-up-failing-care-providers.htmlThe government will not prop up care providers whose businesses have failed, in the wake of the Southern Cross case. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117577/lansleys-continuing-care-plan-could-save-300m-a-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117577/lansleys-continuing-care-plan-could-save-300m-a-year.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley's (pictured) plans to extend personal health budgets (PHBs) to people receiving continuing healthcare could save £300m a year nationally.Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117575/disabilities-green-paper-pathfinders-to-pay-twice-for-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117575/disabilities-green-paper-pathfinders-to-pay-twice-for-services.htmlCouncils who have signed up to get more disabled children onto personal budgets will be forced to pay twice for service provision it has been revealed. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117576/benefit-reforms-threaten-vulnerable-peoples-independence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117576/benefit-reforms-threaten-vulnerable-peoples-independence.htmlPlanned housing benefit reforms may force vulnerable people to leave supported housing settings for residential care or to return to their families, says a coalition of charities. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117568/30k-more-disabled-children-in-poverty-than-previously-thought.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117568/30k-more-disabled-children-in-poverty-than-previously-thought.htmlThere are more than 30,000 more disabled children living in poverty in the UK than had been previously estimated by the government, according to The Children's Society. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117555/children-miss-out-on-short-breaks-due-to-funding-confusion.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117555/children-miss-out-on-short-breaks-due-to-funding-confusion.htmlChildren with epilepsy, or other conditions causing fits, are missing out on short breaks due to confusion over whether funding should be provided by local authorities or primary care trusts, according to Every Disabled Child Matters.Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117543/care-providers-demand-return-to-star-ratings-style-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117543/care-providers-demand-return-to-star-ratings-style-system.htmlSocial care leaders have called for a similar system to the quality ratings scheme scrapped last year to be introduced to assess adult providers after plans to introduce an excellence award were scrappedFri, 30 Sep 2011 18:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117514/social-care-providers-excellence-award-to-be-ditched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117514/social-care-providers-excellence-award-to-be-ditched.htmlThe government is to drop the planned excellence award for social care providers after it was universally rejected by the sector. Care Quality Commission chair Jo Williams (pictured) has said that she saw no prospect of the scheme going ahead.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117526/personalisation-are-personal-budgets-improving-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117526/personalisation-are-personal-budgets-improving-outcomes.htmlResearch published this year found personal budgets were improving outcomes for users. Consultant Colin Slasberg (pictured left) claims the positive effects are not the work of personal budgets but of funding levels. In a response, research author Chris Hatton (right) says his findings are robust Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117530/safeguarding-adult-boards-struggling-to-secure-resources.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117530/safeguarding-adult-boards-struggling-to-secure-resources.htmlSafeguarding adult boards are struggling to secure sufficient resources and the participation of key agencies in their work, a Department of Health-commissioned study finds today. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117525/welfare-rights-cuts-to-contributory-esa.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117525/welfare-rights-cuts-to-contributory-esa.htmlStand by for some worried clients in the next few weeks, writes Gary Vaux. The Department for Work and Pensions is writing to 100,000 people telling them that from April 2012, they might lose their right to benefit.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117524/supporting-service-users-to-become-employers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117524/supporting-service-users-to-become-employers.htmlCommunity Care and Unison's 2011 personalisation survey found social workers needed advice on supporting service users to employ a personal assistant. Independent social worker Kelly Hicks offers some guidanceWed, 28 Sep 2011 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117520/practice-panel-isolated-woman-with-learning-disabilities-risks-her-health-by-overeating.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117520/practice-panel-isolated-woman-with-learning-disabilities-risks-her-health-by-overeating.htmlExperts offer advice on supporting a learning disabled woman whose health is at risk because she will not leave her mother Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117508/spending-on-disabled-childrens-services-rises-sharply.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117508/spending-on-disabled-childrens-services-rises-sharply.htmlCouncil spending is set to increase on services for disabled children despite initial fears they could be vulnerable after the ending of ring-fenced budgets. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117505/cuts-could-deny-independence-to-learning-disabled-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117505/cuts-could-deny-independence-to-learning-disabled-people.htmlMore people with learning disabilities could be denied their wish to live independently because of government welfare cuts and a shortage of housing for the client group, Mencap has warned. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117465/safeguarding-adult-hub-promises-easier-access-to-information-for-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117465/safeguarding-adult-hub-promises-easier-access-to-information-for-practitioners.htmlA website is about to be launched that could radically improve professionals' access to information when handling adult protection cases. Mithran Samuel reports Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117504/limited-uptake-of-personal-budgets-in-scottish-pilot-areas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117504/limited-uptake-of-personal-budgets-in-scottish-pilot-areas.htmlJust 150 new personal budget arrangements were set up in three Scottish self-directed support pilot sites over the past two years despite “significant investment from the Scottish government”, a study has found. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117500/poor-grasp-of-mental-capacity-act-impeding-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117500/poor-grasp-of-mental-capacity-act-impeding-outcomes.htmlPeople with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) have too little say over their lives because professionals lack understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, says Mencap. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117498/supporting-learning-disabled-parents-to-keep-their-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117498/supporting-learning-disabled-parents-to-keep-their-children.htmlOften the most controversial child protection cases appearing in the media are those concerning learning disabled parents whose children have been taken into care. These stories are often sensationalist and rarely convey the full facts of a case.Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117488/councils-must-beware-legal-limits-of-contracting-out.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117488/councils-must-beware-legal-limits-of-contracting-out.htmlThe law has a habit of lagging behind innovative ways of providing services for disabled people, writes Ed Mitchell Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117486/31-councils-to-trial-sen-and-disabilities-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117486/31-councils-to-trial-sen-and-disabilities-reforms.htmlThe proposed single assessment and care plan for children with special educational needs and disabilities will be among proposals piloted by 20 pathfinders, the government announced today. Thirty-one local authorities and primary care trust partners will be involved.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmlThe College of Social Work will formally launch on 3 January next year, without the support of the British Association of Social Workers. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117482/social-workers-fail-to-signpost-service-users-to-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117482/social-workers-fail-to-signpost-service-users-to-support.htmlSocial workers risk failing to signpost service users to valuable sources of support from peers and community organisations because of a lack of awareness.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117472/reassessments-of-users-subject-to-care-cuts-were-tokenistic.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117472/reassessments-of-users-subject-to-care-cuts-were-tokenistic.htmlService users subject to cuts say reassessments of their needs were a "rubberstamping exercise", says a report on a council that has raised eligibility thresholds. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117456/nursing-homes-are-least-compliant-with-cqc-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117456/nursing-homes-are-least-compliant-with-cqc-standards.htmlNursing homes are less compliant with Care Quality Commission standards overall than other social care services, according to early findings from inspections under the new regulatory system introduced last year. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117464/scotland-toughens-up-care-home-inspection-regime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117464/scotland-toughens-up-care-home-inspection-regime.htmlScottish care homes will get at least one unannounced inspection a year, under plans to toughen up scrutiny of services announced today by health secretary Nicola Sturgeon. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117448/burstow-calls-on-sector-to-shape-social-care-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117448/burstow-calls-on-sector-to-shape-social-care-reforms.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has called on the social care sector to help shape its forthcoming White Paper in a three-month consultation launched today. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117442/personalisation-councils-urged-to-boost-user-choice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117442/personalisation-councils-urged-to-boost-user-choice.htmlThe roll-out of personal budgets will only deliver personal value for money if councils take steps to increase choice for users in the social care market, the National Audit Office said today. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117441/professionals-at-odds-over-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117441/professionals-at-odds-over-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards.htmlSocial workers need much clearer guidance about the deprivation of liberty safeguards (Dols) after a study found widespread disagreement between professionals about what constituted a deprivation.Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117439/mps-blame-lack-of-cqc-inspections-on-distorted-priorities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117439/mps-blame-lack-of-cqc-inspections-on-distorted-priorities.htmlThe Care Quality Commission’s “distorted priorities” were responsible for a recent fall in inspections of adult social care services, MPs have said.Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117440/70000-more-families-with-disabled-children-hit-by-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117440/70000-more-families-with-disabled-children-hit-by-cuts.htmlSeventy thousand more families with disabled children than first thought will see their benefits slashed under Welfare Reform Bill plans, government figures have revealed. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117423/extra-care-housing-delivers-better-outcomes-than-home-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117423/extra-care-housing-delivers-better-outcomes-than-home-care.htmlSocial care professionals have been told to give users more information and advice on extra care housing after research found that it led to better outcomes and reduced costs compared with home care alone. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117424/vulnerable-lose-out-on-advocacy-as-cuts-and-demand-take-toll.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117424/vulnerable-lose-out-on-advocacy-as-cuts-and-demand-take-toll.htmlAccess to advocacy for vulnerable groups is to fall significantly due to a combination of rising demand and substantial funding cuts, sector umbrella group Action for Advocacy has found.Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117430/council-gives-social-workers-more-time-to-reassess-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117430/council-gives-social-workers-more-time-to-reassess-users.htmlSocial workers have been given longer to assess service users at risk from cuts in West Sussex to ensure their needs are thoroughly reviewed. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117432/cqc-to-slim-down-inspections-of-care-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117432/cqc-to-slim-down-inspections-of-care-providers.htmlCare providers will face slimmed down inspections under reforms to the Care Quality Commission's regulation regime. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117428/councils-cant-blame-cuts-for-decline-in-disability-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117428/councils-cant-blame-cuts-for-decline-in-disability-provision.htmlCouncils cannot blame government cuts for their failure to protect social care services, according to research that found some authorities were maintaining provision despite deep cuts. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117420/call-to-make-scrs-mandatory-for-murders-of-adults-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117420/call-to-make-scrs-mandatory-for-murders-of-adults-at-risk.htmlSerious case reviews should be mandatory when vulnerable adults are murdered to help address the failure of public agencies to tackle disability hate crime. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s inquiry into the issue highlighted the SCR of murdered learning disabled man Steven Hoskin (pictured) in 2006 as one that had enabled agencies to learn lessons.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117421/concern-over-lack-of-transparency-in-personal-budget-setting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117421/concern-over-lack-of-transparency-in-personal-budget-setting.htmlSector leaders have raised concerns over the transparency of personal budgets after research found councils could not provide information on how their resource allocation systems converted assessments into budgets. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117416/court-allows-challenge-to-councils-rise-in-care-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117416/court-allows-challenge-to-councils-rise-in-care-threshold.htmlThe High Court has allowed a legal challenge against Isle of Wight Council's decision to raise eligibility thresholds for adult care, limiting access to those substantial needs. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117400/community-care-launches-website-for-adult-care-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117400/community-care-launches-website-for-adult-care-practitioners.htmlResidential and domiciliary care staff are an important part of the social care universe but it is too easy for their needs to be ignored. Community Care has set out to address this problem with the launch of the latest addition to www.communitycare.co.uk - You Care. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117402/council-pays-out-9000-for-failing-carer-and-disabled-man.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117402/council-pays-out-9000-for-failing-carer-and-disabled-man.htmlA council has agreed to pay a carer £9,000 for assessment failings that made it more difficult for her to request support in caring for her severely disabled son. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117394/cuts-damaging-viability-of-rural-home-care-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117394/cuts-damaging-viability-of-rural-home-care-visits.htmlRural home care services are becoming unviable become of the combined impact of cuts and journey times between visits, according to the United Kingdom Home Care Association. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117393/home-care-staff-face-worsening-pay-and-reduced-safety.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117393/home-care-staff-face-worsening-pay-and-reduced-safety.htmlHome care staff are facing reduced pay and conditions and are being put at risk because of council cuts to providers, a United Kingdom Homecare Association survey has found. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117398/learning-disability-hospital-inspections-soar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117398/learning-disability-hospital-inspections-soar.htmlInspections of independent learning disability healthcare services have rocketed since the exposure of alleged abuse at Winterbourne View hospital (pictured) at the end of May.Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117397/supreme-court-to-rule-on-council-care-worker-pay-bias.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117397/supreme-court-to-rule-on-council-care-worker-pay-bias.htmlThe Supreme Court will decide next month whether Sheffield Council discriminated against female care workers by excluding them from a bonus system available to staff in roles largely occupied by men. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117392/service-users-at-risk-as-home-care-cuts-shorten-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117392/service-users-at-risk-as-home-care-cuts-shorten-visits.htmlService users' safety and dignity are being put at risk due to council home care cuts, sector leaders have warned after a survey revealed service shortcomings. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117388/another-council-faces-legal-action-over-care-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117388/another-council-faces-legal-action-over-care-threshold.htmlIsle of Wight Council faces a legal challenge over its decision to raise eligibility thresholds for adult care, limiting access to those with substantial needs. The case will be heard next Thursday at the High Court (pictured) in London.Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117376/how-councils-can-implement-personalisation-without-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117376/how-councils-can-implement-personalisation-without-bureaucracy.htmlPersonalisation has made lives more difficult for the people it is supposed to help while adding red tape to the process, writes social care consultant Andrew TysonThu, 01 Sep 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117371/benefit-cut-will-see-disabled-people-lose-out-on-essentials.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117371/benefit-cut-will-see-disabled-people-lose-out-on-essentials.htmlMost disabled people would have to cut back on food and transport if they lost out on disability living allowance under plans to cut the benefit, a survey has found. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117369/half-of-councils-failed-to-carry-out-12-week-consultations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117369/half-of-councils-failed-to-carry-out-12-week-consultations.htmlMore than half of councils failed to comply with the government's recommended 12-week period for consultation in setting their adult social care budgets for 2011-12. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117366/one-in-10-council-adult-social-care-budgets-may-be-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117366/one-in-10-council-adult-social-care-budgets-may-be-illegal.htmlOne in 10 councils may have breached equality laws by failing to consult properly on cuts to adult care this year, an investigation by Community Care has revealed. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117368/legal-claims-on-council-social-care-policies-up-by-45.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117368/legal-claims-on-council-social-care-policies-up-by-45.htmlThe number of legal challenges to council social care policies rose by 45% last year and more are being successful, an investigation by Community Care has revealed. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117360/welfare-changes-could-cost-young-carers-3500-a-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117360/welfare-changes-could-cost-young-carers-3500-a-year.htmlThousands of young carers and their families could lose more than £3,500 a year under proposed welfare reforms, according to The Children's Society.Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117362/social-care-providers-sound-alarm-over-council-fee-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117362/social-care-providers-sound-alarm-over-council-fee-cuts.htmlCare quality will suffer in Leeds' residential and nursing homes on the back of recommendations to cut fees to the independent sector, providers have warned. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117357/bleak-prospects-for-reforming-winterbourne-style-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117357/bleak-prospects-for-reforming-winterbourne-style-provision.htmlThe prospects for reducing the use of outmoded learning disability hospitals such as Winterbourne View are bleak because of a lack of incentives to change from providers, commissioners and the regulator.Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117356/number-of-short-breaks-more-than-doubles-in-three-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117356/number-of-short-breaks-more-than-doubles-in-three-years.html The number of disabled children receiving short breaks more than doubled between April 2008 and March 2011, with rises in every area of the country, In...Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117352/unsustainable-social-care-services-face-overhaul.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117352/unsustainable-social-care-services-face-overhaul.htmlSocial care services in Northern Ireland face an overhaul after the country's health minister today declared them "unsustainable in their current form". Edwin Poots said he wanted service users to live more independently.Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117353/council-halts-placements-at-care-home-investigated-by-police.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117353/council-halts-placements-at-care-home-investigated-by-police.htmlEssex Council has stopped placing people at a care home at the centre of a police investigation after the unexplained deaths of two elderly women this month. The pair, aged 89 and 80, had been living at the Partridge Care Centre (pictured) in Harlow. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/24/117348/disability-web-forum-to-be-reinstated-after-talks-with-atos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/24/117348/disability-web-forum-to-be-reinstated-after-talks-with-atos.htmlThe Carer Watch discussion forum is to be reinstated after the campaign group reached an agreement with Atos Healthcare regarding allegedly libellous posts about the disability assessment company. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117342/risk-factor-will-independence-result-in-isolation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117342/risk-factor-will-independence-result-in-isolation.htmlA woman with learning disabilities wants to live independently after a period in communal living. Is there a risk of her becoming isolated?Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117341/winterbourne-view-sparks-extra-scrutiny-of-care-settings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117341/winterbourne-view-sparks-extra-scrutiny-of-care-settings.htmlLearning disability and other hospital providers are facing extra scrutiny in light of the alleged abuse exposed at Winterbourne View (pictured).Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117338/agencies-ignoring-400-suicides-a-year-by-terminally-ill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117338/agencies-ignoring-400-suicides-a-year-by-terminally-ill.htmlMore than 400 people with terminal or chronic illnesses commit suicide each year, but the issue is being neglected by government and health services, says think-tank Demos.Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117337/distress-for-disabled-after-legal-threat-shuts-web-forum.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117337/distress-for-disabled-after-legal-threat-shuts-web-forum.htmlDisabled people and carers have been caused "fear and distress" after an internet forum they use was taken down after disability assessment firm Atos Healthcare threatened to sue for libel.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmlPlymouth Council has stripped local Unison officials of their negotiating powers after the two organisations failed to reach a collective agreement on new terms and conditions, which will affect social workers. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117323/third-castlebeck-service-to-close-after-safeguarding-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117323/third-castlebeck-service-to-close-after-safeguarding-failings.htmlA third Castlebeck learning disability service will close after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) identified serious failings in areas, including safeguarding and staff recruitment. Castlebeck chief executive Lee Reed (pictured) said the provider was working to ensure that there was "minimum disruption" to the care of residents at the Solihull setting.Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117322/most-social-workers-have-seen-abuse-in-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117322/most-social-workers-have-seen-abuse-in-residential-care.htmlEight in 10 social workers have witnessed abuse in adult residential care homes, a British Association of Social Workers (BASW) survey has discovered. Many described it as "extreme abuse", which BASW said suggested the scenes filmed by Panorama at Winterbourne View (pictured).Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/16/117312/lack-of-parenting-support-funds-fuels-riots-debate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/16/117312/lack-of-parenting-support-funds-fuels-riots-debate.htmlLocal authorities are spending on average just 6% of their early intervention grant on parenting support this year, according to responses to a Community Care freedom of information request. This has added fuel to the debate over the riots. (Picture: Alamy, posed by models.) Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117305/book-review-longcare-survivors-the-biography-of-a-care-scandal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117305/book-review-longcare-survivors-the-biography-of-a-care-scandal.htmlLongcare Survivors starts gently with a look at the history of care until the present day and includes referencing and further reading, writes Ian Taylor. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117300/nhs-cuts-put-pressure-on-social-workers-over-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117300/nhs-cuts-put-pressure-on-social-workers-over-assessments.htmlCouncil social care professionals are facing increased workload pressures and disputes with NHS colleagues as primary care trusts seek to cut funding for NHS continuing care.Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117299/disability-benefits-that-can-be-life-changing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117299/disability-benefits-that-can-be-life-changing.htmlThe value to recipients of disability living allowance and attendance allowance is assessed in a new study, reviewed by Jo Rees Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmlSocial workers will be honoured at the Houses of Parliament on 16 December when the House of Lords hosts the Social Worker of the Year Awards.Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117280/councils-face-mounting-pressures-as-pcts-cut-continuing-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117280/councils-face-mounting-pressures-as-pcts-cut-continuing-care.htmlAdult social services are facing increased pressures and families higher care bills due to NHS cuts to continuing healthcare, warn social care leaders.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117279/the-seven-things-that-providers-must-report-to-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117279/the-seven-things-that-providers-must-report-to-cqc.htmlSome incidents are unavoidable in care settings, but which ones must be reported to the Care Quality Commission? Vern Pitt reports Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117281/second-castlebeck-facility-to-close.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117281/second-castlebeck-facility-to-close.htmlA second learning disability service run by Castlebeck is to shut after safeguarding concerns, in the wake of the Winterbourne View abuse scandal and significant criticisms of the company's management and safety standards. The provider's chief executive, Lee Reed (pictured) insisted the closure was for "operational reasons" only.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117278/helping-stroke-survivors-through-fishing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117278/helping-stroke-survivors-through-fishing.htmlAn angling project is casting a new lifeline to people disabled by strokes, reports Natalie Valios Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlThere are few issues that unite the Archbishop of Canterbury, Boris Johnson, the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the National Housing Federation. But the impact of housing benefit changes on tenants and landlords has managed to unify this disparate bunch, with dramatic warnings of "social cleansing" coming from the Mayor of London and the CML pondering whether providing funding for housing associations is a good idea in future. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/06/117264/ministers-under-pressure-to-ditch-adult-care-excellence-award.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/06/117264/ministers-under-pressure-to-ditch-adult-care-excellence-award.htmlMinisters and the Care Quality Commission are coming under pressure to ditch the planned "excellence award" scheme for adult care providers after the idea was universally condemned by sector bodies in a consultation.Sat, 06 Aug 2011 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116911/councils-slammed-for-curbing-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116911/councils-slammed-for-curbing-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlCouncils have been slammed for denying clients choice and control after Community Care's personalisation survey found restrictions being placed on the use of personal budgets for items including holidays and computer equipment.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114518/rolling-out-personalisation-to-mental-health-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114518/rolling-out-personalisation-to-mental-health-service-users.htmlA project led by Mind to tackle the low take-up of self-directed support among mental health service users has returned some positive results, writes Jeremy Dunning Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114689/ms-society-closes-respite-centres-in-response-to-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114689/ms-society-closes-respite-centres-in-response-to-personalisation.html The MS Society has decided to stop providing residential respite services in response to the personalisation agenda. The charity's board of trustees...Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116913/hard-to-reach-groups-still-face-personal-budgets-barriers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116913/hard-to-reach-groups-still-face-personal-budgets-barriers.htmlSeveral client groups, including older people and those with mental health problems, continue to face barriers in gaining personal budgets, say social care professionals. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117012/cqc-did-not-check-learning-disability-hospitals-for-months.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117012/cqc-did-not-check-learning-disability-hospitals-for-months.htmlThe Care Quality Commission (CQC) did not inspect independent learning disability hospitals, such as Winterbourne View, where the BBC's Panorama revealed significant abuse recently, for four months last winter.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116925/panorama-burstow-orders-probe-into-cqc-and-council-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116925/panorama-burstow-orders-probe-into-cqc-and-council-failings.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has ordered investigations into regulatory and safeguarding failings by the Care Quality Commission and local authorities in relation to the abuse of learning disabled people uncovered by Panorama yesterday. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117039/home-care-breaches-human-rights-finds-equality-watchdog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117039/home-care-breaches-human-rights-finds-equality-watchdog.htmlHome care services in the UK are breaching older people’s human rights, the Equality and Human Rights Commission warned today. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116740/cqc-delivers-poor-value-for-money-says-provider-leader.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116740/cqc-delivers-poor-value-for-money-says-provider-leader.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has been accused of offering poor value after it raised providers' fees while slashing the number of inspections it carries out.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116923/panorama-cqc-inspection-regime-slammed-following-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116923/panorama-cqc-inspection-regime-slammed-following-abuse.htmlThe Care Quality Commission's risk-based approach to regulating care services has been called into question, following revelations of abuse of people with learning disabilities in a specialist hospital. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117266/social-care-staff-freed-from-registering-cars-as-minicabs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117266/social-care-staff-freed-from-registering-cars-as-minicabs.htmlOlder and disabled people will be able to "get out of their houses for the first time in years" under moves to free social care staff from registering their private cars as minicabs.Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117254/prisoners-provide-social-care-governors-admit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117254/prisoners-provide-social-care-governors-admit.htmlMore than one-third of prison governors believe the quality of social care in their prison is below average or poor, research by Community Care has revealed. In a Prison Governors Association (PGA) survey, 40% of respondents also said prisoners provided social care in their prison. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117260/safeguarding-against-another-winterbourne-a-providers-view.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117260/safeguarding-against-another-winterbourne-a-providers-view.htmlIn a response to the Winterbourne View case, autism and mental health hospital manager Mark Goldsborough discusses some of the challenges of safeguarding vulnerable adults in hospital settings and how they can be overcome. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117256/cqc-inspections-up-one-third-in-past-three-months.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117256/cqc-inspections-up-one-third-in-past-three-months.htmlInspections by the Care Quality Commission have risen by a third in the past three months, marking a partial reversal of the sharp drop in site visits in the past year, official figures show. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117252/castlebeck-chief-promises-to-overhaul-management.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117252/castlebeck-chief-promises-to-overhaul-management.htmlCastlebeck is to overhaul its management in the wake of the abuse scandal at Winterbourne View (pictured), chief executive Lee Reed has pledged in an exclusive interview with Community Care.Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117253/social-workers-not-consulted-on-outsourcing-their-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117253/social-workers-not-consulted-on-outsourcing-their-services.htmlUnion activists have accused Surrey Council of attempting to hive off its service for deaf people without consulting social work staff. Unison national officer Helga Pile (pictured) has said the government is struggling to interest councils in social work practice pilots. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117233/thousands-of-care-homes-have-no-registered-manager.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117233/thousands-of-care-homes-have-no-registered-manager.htmlMore than 3,000 care homes in England do not have a registered manager, reflecting a crisis of quality in the sector, Action on Elder Abuse warns today.Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117248/commissioners-withdraw-residents-from-castlebeck-facilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117248/commissioners-withdraw-residents-from-castlebeck-facilities.htmlCommissioners have withdrawn people with learning disabilities from Castlebeck facilities following safety concerns after the uncovering of alleged abuse at the provider's Winterbourne View hospital.Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117237/carers-uk-chief-asked-to-lead-social-care-quality-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117237/carers-uk-chief-asked-to-lead-social-care-quality-probe.htmlCarers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond (pictured) has been asked by ministers to examine how the quality of social care can be raised, in the light of concerns sparked by cases including Winterbourne View.Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117234/cqc-half-of-castlebeck-services-not-meeting-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117234/cqc-half-of-castlebeck-services-not-meeting-standards.htmlNearly half of Castlebeck services are failing to meet essential standards of quality and safety, a report by the Care Quality Commission, sparked by the Winterbourne View case (pictured), has revealed. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117230/government-promises-training-for-personal-assistants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117230/government-promises-training-for-personal-assistants.htmlPersonal assistants will have access to minimum levels of training, and service users given guaranteed support in employing them as part of a framework for PAs published today. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117224/mps-slam-major-failings-in-disability-benefit-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117224/mps-slam-major-failings-in-disability-benefit-assessments.html"Unacceptable" failings by the government's disability benefit assessment company have led to people being without benefits for months, MPs have said. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117216/pay-cut-council-may-outsource-adult-care-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117216/pay-cut-council-may-outsource-adult-care-provision.htmlSouthampton Council is considering proposals to outsource its adult social care services, weeks after introducing a pay cut for most staff. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117214/dont-blame-it-systems-for-bureaucracy-in-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117214/dont-blame-it-systems-for-bureaucracy-in-personalisation.htmlIT company Face's managing director, Dr Paul Clifford responds to the accusation that personalisation assessment process has led to more bureaucracy Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117212/cuts-will-damage-social-care-service-levels-finance-expert.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117212/cuts-will-damage-social-care-service-levels-finance-expert.htmlSocial care departments will struggle to maintain "decent levels of services" without extra government funding, a finance expert has warned. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117209/more-personal-budgets-needed-for-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117209/more-personal-budgets-needed-for-disabled-children.htmlFamilies with disabled children should be offered more personal budgets to ease the transition between children's and adults services, a sector expert told delegates at the CIPFA conference on social care finance today. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117202/burstow-tells-southern-cross-landlords-to-reassure-residents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117202/burstow-tells-southern-cross-landlords-to-reassure-residents.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow today urged Southern Cross landlords to quickly set out their plans for the future of the failed company's 752 care homes Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117196/bid-to-let-families-buy-unregulated-care-with-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117196/bid-to-let-families-buy-unregulated-care-with-personal-budgets.htmlFamilies would be freer to purchase unregulated domiciliary care services on behalf of loved-ones who hold personal budgets under government plans issued today to cut red tape. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117198/patients-left-in-learning-disability-hospitals-for-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117198/patients-left-in-learning-disability-hospitals-for-years.htmlNearly one in five people in learning disability hospitals such as Winterbourne View have been there for more than five years, Community Care has found. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117197/pcts-accused-of-failing-to-monitor-their-clients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117197/pcts-accused-of-failing-to-monitor-their-clients.htmlPrimary care trusts are visiting learning disability hospital patients only twice a year on average, despite concerns about the client group’s vulnerability, Community Care can reveal. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117201/charities-launch-review-of-disability-benefit-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117201/charities-launch-review-of-disability-benefit-cut.htmlCharities have launched a review of government proposals to remove up to £50 a week in mobility benefits from disabled people in care homes. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117190/biggest-southern-cross-landlord-to-set-up-firm-to-run-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117190/biggest-southern-cross-landlord-to-set-up-firm-to-run-homes.htmlNHP, the biggest landlord of failing care home provider Southern Cross, confirmed today it will pump £14m into a new company to run 249 of its properties.Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117188/castlebeck-misled-cqc-over-winterbourne-view-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117188/castlebeck-misled-cqc-over-winterbourne-view-abuse.htmlCastlebeck could face fines for “misleading” the Care Quality Commission about the alleged abuse of people with learning disabilities at Winterbourne View hospital, an inspection report has concluded. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117185/cqc-to-double-inspections-of-adult-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117185/cqc-to-double-inspections-of-adult-care-services.htmlAdult social care services would be inspected at least once a year under Care Quality Commission plans to call time on "light-touch" regulation. Currently, services are inspected at least once every two years. Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117182/southern-cross-homes-left-in-rack-and-ruin.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117182/southern-cross-homes-left-in-rack-and-ruin.htmlMany Southern Cross homes have been left in a state of "rack and ruin", it has been claimed.Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117176/government-cant-agree-on-dilnot-social-care-reform-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117176/government-cant-agree-on-dilnot-social-care-reform-funding.htmlThe coalition government cannot agree on how to find the extra funding needed for adult social care reform, the care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) has admitted.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117170/burstow-slams-pcts-for-failing-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117170/burstow-slams-pcts-for-failing-carers.htmlCare minister Paul Burstow has slammed primary care trusts for failing carers after a survey revealed more than 90% had failed to produce plans on spending their share of an additional £400m of government cash for carers' breaks.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117164/research-improving-social-care-services-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117164/research-improving-social-care-services-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlTo help avoid future abuse scandals such as that of Winterbourne View, the Social Care Institute for Excellence has produced resources to help staff, managers and commissioners improve the services available for vulnerable adults Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117159/child-protection-assessment-deadlines-to-go-by-end-of-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117159/child-protection-assessment-deadlines-to-go-by-end-of-year.htmlChildren's social workers will no longer be held to prescribed timescales for assessments and the distinction between initial and core assessments will be removed by the end of this year, the government has said in its official response to Eileen Munro's review of child protection. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117158/four-suspended-at-castlebeck-home-following-abuse-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117158/four-suspended-at-castlebeck-home-following-abuse-claims.htmlFour staff have been suspended at a Castlebeck-run care home over abuse and misconduct allegations, six weeks after alleged abuse was uncovered at the company's Winterbourne View hospital, the BBC has reported. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117145/dilnot-makes-funding-reform-call-as-cuts-ravage-care-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117145/dilnot-makes-funding-reform-call-as-cuts-ravage-care-system.htmlAndrew Dilnot's call for a significant injection of cash to reform social care came in a week where the funding shortages ravaging the current system were laid bare. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117146/leeds-criticised-for-failing-children-with-special-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117146/leeds-criticised-for-failing-children-with-special-needs.htmlLeeds Council has been criticised for failing in its care of three children with disabilities and special educational needs.Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117144/blind-social-worker-suspended-after-children-burnt-in-fire.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117144/blind-social-worker-suspended-after-children-burnt-in-fire.htmlA social worker has been suspended after three children she was supposed to take to a place of safety suffered burns in a fire at their home.Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/07/117136/cuts-to-adult-social-care-to-worsen-next-year-warns-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/07/117136/cuts-to-adult-social-care-to-worsen-next-year-warns-adass.htmlCuts to adult social care are set to get worse in 2012-13 following big reductions in funding this year, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Peter Hay (pictured) warned today. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117093/five-years-on-from-steven-hoskin-has-safeguarding-improved.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117093/five-years-on-from-steven-hoskin-has-safeguarding-improved.htmlThe murder in 2006 of a learning disabled man proved a defining moment for adult safeguarding. Five years after the body of Steven Hoskin was found below a railway viaduct in Cornwall (6 July), Natalie Valios reports on what happened next Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117134/most-winterbourne-residents-remain-in-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117134/most-winterbourne-residents-remain-in-hospitals.htmlThe "vast majority" of the residents of Winterbourne View have been placed in other learning disability hospitals, despite overwhelming sector opposition to the use of such facilities.Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117131/supreme-court-upholds-councils-right-to-cut-care-packages.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117131/supreme-court-upholds-councils-right-to-cut-care-packages.htmlCouncils' right to cut people’s care without an explicit reassessment of need was upheld in a Supreme Court judgement today. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117129/mps-to-hold-post-dilnot-review-of-adult-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117129/mps-to-hold-post-dilnot-review-of-adult-social-care.htmlMPs are to hold an inquiry into adult social care in the wake of this week's Dilnot commission report, it was announced today. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117126/dilnot-reforms-could-prove-too-costly-warns-lansley.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117126/dilnot-reforms-could-prove-too-costly-warns-lansley.htmlThe Dilnot commission's £1.7bn proposals to reform social care funding could prove too costly to implement in full, health secretary Andrew Lansley warned today. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117122/disabled-people-would-keep-free-care-under-dilnots-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117122/disabled-people-would-keep-free-care-under-dilnots-plans.htmlYounger disabled people would be spared from making any financial contribution to their care, under proposals unveiled today by the Dilnot commission.Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117123/government-urged-not-to-stall-on-dilnot-social-care-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117123/government-urged-not-to-stall-on-dilnot-social-care-reforms.htmlThe government was today urged not to delay proposed reforms to adult social care, amid concerns that the Dilnot commission's plans may be "kicked into the long grass". Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117121/care-system-needs-urgent-cash-before-reform-says-dilnot.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117121/care-system-needs-urgent-cash-before-reform-says-dilnot.htmlThe Dilnot commission today called for “additional public funding” to be pumped into the current care system before its proposed reforms come into force from 2014. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117118/parents-of-disabled-children-cannot-afford-to-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117118/parents-of-disabled-children-cannot-afford-to-work.htmlParents of disabled children cannot afford to work because their childcare costs are so high, according to a survey by the the Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) campaign.Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117115/dilnot-extra-1.7bn-needed-to-overhaul-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117115/dilnot-extra-1.7bn-needed-to-overhaul-care-funding.htmlMinisters have been urged to find £1.7bn to implement plans unveiled today to overhaul the care funding system. by the commission on funding care and support. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/02/117113/government-threatened-with-legal-action-over-dla-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/02/117113/government-threatened-with-legal-action-over-dla-cuts.htmlThe government has been threatened with legal action if it presses ahead with plans to make cuts to disability living allowance (DLA). Sat, 02 Jul 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmlPolicy-makers and researchers must understand each other better if practice is to be truly influenced by evidence. By Jon Glasby Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117102/call-for-super-carers-to-meet-domiciliary-demand.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117102/call-for-super-carers-to-meet-domiciliary-demand.htmlAn army of "super-carers" trained in health and social care will be needed if the government is to meet the rising demand for home care, a study has concluded. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117104/victory-as-government-does-u-turn-on-social-care-duties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117104/victory-as-government-does-u-turn-on-social-care-duties.htmlThe government has shelved plans to remove social care duties placed upon councils, after an outcry from Community Care readers. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117091/reforming-cqc-could-be-destabilising-says-burstow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117091/reforming-cqc-could-be-destabilising-says-burstow.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) has warned that it would be premature to reform the Care Quality Commission, despite sector leaders' criticisms of the regulator's role and remit.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117085/cqc-needs-extra-15m-from-government-for-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117085/cqc-needs-extra-15m-from-government-for-inspections.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has asked the government for a 10% boost to its budget so that it can make more inspections. CQC chair Jo Williams (pictured) said the money would pay for more inspectors and experts to work alongside them.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117086/cqc-disciplines-staff-over-winterbourne-view-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117086/cqc-disciplines-staff-over-winterbourne-view-case.htmlA member of staff at the Care Quality Commission has already been disciplined, following the Winterbourne View abuse scandal.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117081/dilnot-care-funding-reforms-to-face-hostile-public-reaction.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117081/dilnot-care-funding-reforms-to-face-hostile-public-reaction.htmlThe Dilnot commission's proposed reforms of care funding will face a hostile reaction because many people still believe social care should be entirely state-funded. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117082/government-pledges-20m-boost-for-dementia-research.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117082/government-pledges-20m-boost-for-dementia-research.htmlMore money and expertise is to be ploughed into dementia research over the next five years, the government announced today, fufiling a key coalition pledge. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117079/winterbourne-view-families-seek-compensation-for-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117079/winterbourne-view-families-seek-compensation-for-abuse.htmlFamilies of learning disabled people allegedly abused at Winterbourne View are to sue Castlebeck, the company that runs the hospital. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117078/social-worker-endures-isolation-to-learn-practice-lessons.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117078/social-worker-endures-isolation-to-learn-practice-lessons.html"I've only lasted half-a-day today. I feel tired and weary and I just needed to get away from the office." Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117075/dilnot-to-urge-50000-cap-on-social-care-costs-for-elderly.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117075/dilnot-to-urge-50000-cap-on-social-care-costs-for-elderly.htmlThe Dilnot commission on social care funding is set to recommend that individuals should have to pay no more than £50,000 with the taxpayer picking up the rest. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117067/cost-warning-over-health-social-enterprises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117067/cost-warning-over-health-social-enterprises.htmlHealth social enterprises are unlikely to deliver savings, the National Audit Office has warned. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117072/assistive-technology-helps-people-with-severe-learning-difficulties-at-night.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117072/assistive-technology-helps-people-with-severe-learning-difficulties-at-night.htmlUnobtrusive night-time monitoring and support is being made possible by assistive technology used by United Response, reports Louise Hunt Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117071/fears-for-vulnerable-people-as-poverty-payments-axed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117071/fears-for-vulnerable-people-as-poverty-payments-axed.htmlVulnerable people will lose vital support from the government's decision to press ahead with plans to scrap a national system of poverty payments, warn charities. Picture: AlamyFri, 24 Jun 2011 15:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117062/obituary-nasa-begum-scies-principal-adviser-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117062/obituary-nasa-begum-scies-principal-adviser-adult-care.htmlThere have already been so many tributes to Nasa Begum whose untimely death left has left all of us shocked and saddened. Finding the right words to describe the role that Nasa played has given rise to a very long and inexhaustible list - activist, pioneer, campaigner, professional, researcher, service user, writer - but to many of us who had the privilege of knowing her personally, she was a great friend, supporter and confidante. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117058/welsh-government-bids-to-cool-social-care-fee-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117058/welsh-government-bids-to-cool-social-care-fee-row.htmlThe Welsh government has stepped in to save a landmark partnership agreement between councils and social care providers following a spate of rows over care fees. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117050/direct-payments-stall-despite-evidence-of-better-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117050/direct-payments-stall-despite-evidence-of-better-outcomes.htmlDirect payment levels in England have stalled in the past year although they are associated with better outcomes than council-managed personal budgets, major research into personalisation has shown. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117054/experts-tell-cameron-to-end-learning-disability-hospital-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117054/experts-tell-cameron-to-end-learning-disability-hospital-care.htmlLearning disability experts have today urged David Cameron to bring an end to hospital placements for the client group in a blueprint to prevent abuse and improve care following the Winterbourne View case. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117046/abuse-scandal-hospital-winterbourne-view-to-close-this-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117046/abuse-scandal-hospital-winterbourne-view-to-close-this-week.htmlThe Winterbourne View learning disability hospital is to close this week, three weeks BBC Panorama screened scenes of abuse there following an undercover investigation. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117045/big-society-bill-raises-budget-concerns-for-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117045/big-society-bill-raises-budget-concerns-for-disabled-children.htmlDisabled children's charities are concerned the government's public services reform white paper might increase pressure to push personal budgets onto families. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117038/former-abuse-home-residents-twice-as-happy-in-community.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117038/former-abuse-home-residents-twice-as-happy-in-community.htmlCommunity-based care for people with complex learning disabilities and challenging behaviour saves money and vastly improves their quality of life compared with institutional care, research has found.Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117024/police-failing-disabled-victims-of-hate-crime-warns-mencap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117024/police-failing-disabled-victims-of-hate-crime-warns-mencap.htmlDisabled victims of hate crime are being failed by the police because of a lack of understanding and a failure to take incidents seriously, Mencap said today. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117034/preventing-abuse-of-adults-with-learning-disabilities-in-the-wake-of-the-winterbourne-view-scandal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117034/preventing-abuse-of-adults-with-learning-disabilities-in-the-wake-of-the-winterbourne-view-scandal.htmlExperts have long said learning disabled people should not be placed in hospitals such as Winterbourne View. That they still are reflects failures to support them in the community, finds Vern Pitt Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117030/union-tells-southern-cross-staff-to-refuse-working-changes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117030/union-tells-southern-cross-staff-to-refuse-working-changes.htmlTroubled care home operator Southern Cross is facing an industrial dispute after the GMB union advised its members to refuse to sign up to revised working conditions. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117021/southern-cross-strikes-deal-with-landlords.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117021/southern-cross-strikes-deal-with-landlords.htmlAiling care home operator Southern Cross has agreed to work together with its landlords to try to find a future for the group. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117022/councils-failing-to-offer-choice-to-personal-budget-holders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117022/councils-failing-to-offer-choice-to-personal-budget-holders.htmlSome local authorities are still failing to offer significant levels of choice and control to personal budget holders in receipt of managed budgets, according to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. (Picture: Rex) Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117014/college-of-social-work-greets-nhs-role-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117014/college-of-social-work-greets-nhs-role-for-social-workers.htmlSocial workers will have a positive impact on the NHS through plans to involve them in health commissioning under the government's revamped NHS reforms, the College of Social Work has said. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117009/most-councils-have-30-of-service-users-on-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117009/most-councils-have-30-of-service-users-on-personal-budgets.htmlMost councils hit a target to have 30% of users and carers on personal budgets by April 2011, but wide variations remain in take-up between authorities, show figures released today. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117007/government-accepts-revamp-of-health-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117007/government-accepts-revamp-of-health-reforms.htmlPrime minister David Cameron today accepted experts' proposals to overhaul the government's health reforms, including by involving social care professionals in the commissioning of healthcare. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmlDavid Cameron has been urged to give social workers a role in health commissioning decisions by experts tasked with revamping the government's NHS bill. He will give his response today. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/116988/cuts-in-disabilities-support-services-threaten-to-place-more-children-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/116988/cuts-in-disabilities-support-services-threaten-to-place-more-children-in-care.htmlAre the cuts in local support services leading to more disabled children going into care? Ben Cook looks at the evidence Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116996/two-more-arrests-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116996/two-more-arrests-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-case.htmlPolice have made two more arrests in connection with the Winterbourne View learning disability abuse scandal, bringing the total to 11. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116970/high-court-council-wrongly-deprived-autistic-man-of-liberty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116970/high-court-council-wrongly-deprived-autistic-man-of-liberty.htmlA council breached a 21-year-old autistic man's human rights by refusing to allow him to be placed in the care of his father, the High Court has ruled. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116981/government-should-scrap-employment-schemes-for-disabled-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116981/government-should-scrap-employment-schemes-for-disabled-people.htmlThe government is to axe sheltered employment settings for disabled people, following a report into the current state of supported employment. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116960/five-more-arrested-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116960/five-more-arrested-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-inquiry.htmlFive more people have been arrested in relation to the Winterbourne View abuse inquiry, bringing the total to nine, Avon and Somerset Police have said. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116959/burstow-considering-independent-probe-into-castlebeck-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116959/burstow-considering-independent-probe-into-castlebeck-abuse.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has refused to rule out an independent inquiry into the Castlebeck abuse case, following Labour accusations of "confusion" from government on the issue. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmlDavid Cameron has announced an overhaul of the NHS reforms designed to address criticisms that the government's original plans would fragment care, to the detriment of vulnerable groups. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116957/miliband-urges-talks-with-cameron-about-care-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116957/miliband-urges-talks-with-cameron-about-care-reform.htmlEd Miliband today called for talks with David Cameron on care funding reform following next month's Dilnot commission report, to avoid a repeat of last year's pre-election hostility on the issue. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116938/gp-commissioning-could-risk-more-abuse-scandals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116938/gp-commissioning-could-risk-more-abuse-scandals.htmlThe government's NHS reforms could make abuse cases like the Winterbourne View scandal (pictured) more likely, experts have warned. Picture: BBC/PanoramaFri, 03 Jun 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116942/good-practice-luv2meetu-friendship-project.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116942/good-practice-luv2meetu-friendship-project.htmlNatalie Valios reports on a project to promote well-being and fight loneliness that is winning admirers.Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116940/child-care-worker-embezzled-christian-group.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116940/child-care-worker-embezzled-christian-group.htmlA residential child care worker who embezzled several hundreds of pounds from a Christian group has been banned from practising for three months.Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116935/castlebeck-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116935/castlebeck-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg.htmlThe Castlebeck abuse case could be the "tip of the iceberg" because of poor training for people working with challenging clients, social care trainers have warned. Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116933/labour-slams-government-confusion-over-abuse-scandal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116933/labour-slams-government-confusion-over-abuse-scandal.htmlLabour has slammed government "confusion" over its handling of the abuse scandal involving Winterbourne View hospital for people with learning disabilities.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116934/landlords-set-to-spurn-care-home-provider-southern-cross.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116934/landlords-set-to-spurn-care-home-provider-southern-cross.htmlLandlords are set to reject Southern Cross's ultimatum of accepting a 30% rent cut, Community Care understands. Instead, rival care home operators are actively planning on taking over the running of the homes.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116930/cqc-to-shut-abuse-scandal-hospital-within-weeks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116930/cqc-to-shut-abuse-scandal-hospital-within-weeks.htmlThe learning disability hospital at the centre of an abuse scandal, Winterbourne View in Bristol, is to be closed by the Care Quality Commission, Community Care has learned.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116926/no-dh-review-into-cqc-and-councils-over-panorama-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116926/no-dh-review-into-cqc-and-councils-over-panorama-case.htmlThere will be no government reviews of Care Quality Commission or safeguarding failings regarding the abuse of learning disabled people uncovered by Panorama this week.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116922/cameron-clegg-and-miliband-told-to-avoid-political-care-fight.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116922/cameron-clegg-and-miliband-told-to-avoid-political-care-fight.htmlSocial care leaders have warned David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband to avoid political in-fighting and reach a consensus on the funding of long-term care when the Dilnot commission reports next month. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116918/four-arrested-after-panorama-exposes-disability-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116918/four-arrested-after-panorama-exposes-disability-abuse.htmlFour people have been arrested after the BBC revealed shocking abuse at a hospital for people with learning disabilities. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116917/burstow-backs-national-probe-of-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116917/burstow-backs-national-probe-of-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlSeveral learning disability hospitals are to face unannounced inspections after abuse was uncovered at one unit by BBC's Panorama programme. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116904/direct-payments-made-default-option-for-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116904/direct-payments-made-default-option-for-personal-budgets.htmlPersonalisation implies that personal budgets should be tailored to the needs of the individual. But some councils appear to be restricting users to direct payments, finds Natalie Valios Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116910/councils-direct-payments-preference-driven-by-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116910/councils-direct-payments-preference-driven-by-cuts.htmlCouncils are pushing service users into taking direct payments on cost grounds, say social work leaders.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116921/personalisation-skills-shortfall-afflicts-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116921/personalisation-skills-shortfall-afflicts-social-workers.htmlSocial workers are still not equipped with the skills to deliver person-centred care, with knowledge about personal assistants considerably lacking.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116903/learning-disabilities-cuts-risk-driving-down-quality.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116903/learning-disabilities-cuts-risk-driving-down-quality.htmlCouncil cuts to learning disability services are failing to produce efficiencies and risk driving down quality, a report has concluded.Tue, 31 May 2011 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmlThe government's health legislation faces being further delayed until the autumn risking confusion for social workers re-registering next year if it puts back the abolition of the General Social Care Council. Thu, 26 May 2011 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116877/lib-dems-demand-wholesale-review-of-disability-benefit-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116877/lib-dems-demand-wholesale-review-of-disability-benefit-reforms.htmlThe government must undertake a wholesale review of its plans to cut a raft of disability benefits, say Liberal Democrat MPs.Wed, 25 May 2011 14:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116868/social-workers-losing-faith-in-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116868/social-workers-losing-faith-in-personalisation.htmlSocial care professionals' support for personalisation has plummeted, Community Care's latest personalisation survey, commissioned by Unison has revealed. Unison's Helga Pile (pictured) said: "People still believe in personalisation, but it's increasingly difficult to make it happen." Wed, 25 May 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116869/councils-dogged-by-slow-progress-on-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116869/councils-dogged-by-slow-progress-on-personalisation.htmlA significant minority of English councils have made slow progress on personalisation despite the three-year cash injection of £520m to drive it, say social care professionals. Wed, 25 May 2011 10:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/24/116874/fiona-pilkington-police-slammed-over-disability-hate-crime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/24/116874/fiona-pilkington-police-slammed-over-disability-hate-crime.htmlA woman who killed herself and her disabled daughter after years of disability-related harassment was failed by police because officers failed to recognise the family as vulnerable. That was the conclusion of a damning Independent Police Complaints Commission report into Leicestershire Police's handling of the case of Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and daughter Francecca Hardwick (both pictured) in October 2007. PICTURE: PATue, 24 May 2011 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116861/many-councils-may-have-social-care-cuts-ruled-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116861/many-councils-may-have-social-care-cuts-ruled-illegal.htmlMany councils could have their adult social care budgets ruled illegal on the back of a High Court judgement yesterday, the president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has warned. Mon, 23 May 2011 09:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116846/social-work-boss-rejects-expensive-health-social-care-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116846/social-work-boss-rejects-expensive-health-social-care-merger.html"Expensive" structural integration of health and social care is not the solution to pressures on the system in Scotland, the Association of Directors of Social Work's incoming president has warned ministers in his inaugural speech. Fri, 20 May 2011 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116845/judge-slams-councils-consultation-over-critical-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116845/judge-slams-councils-consultation-over-critical-threshold.htmlA judge has slammed Birmingham Council for failing to consider how its bid to raise adult care eligibility thresholds to critical only would affect those with substantial needs. Fri, 20 May 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116841/cc-live-labour-will-not-play-politics-with-dilnot-findings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116841/cc-live-labour-will-not-play-politics-with-dilnot-findings.htmlLabour will not "play politics" with the debate on the long-term funding of adult social care, shadow care services minister Emily Thornberry said yesterday.Thu, 19 May 2011 13:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116837/southern-cross-plunges-into-red-as-councils-slash-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116837/southern-cross-plunges-into-red-as-councils-slash-funding.htmlTroubled care home giant Southern Cross has plunged deeper into the red on the back of big cuts in admissions from local authority, half-year results published today show. However, chief executive Jamie Buchan (pictured) has said he is confident that the company can resolve its problems. Thu, 19 May 2011 09:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116835/cc-live-burstow-gets-tough-with-pcts-over-social-care-cash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116835/cc-live-burstow-gets-tough-with-pcts-over-social-care-cash.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has delivered an ultimatum to primary care trusts that are hogging money intended for social care.Wed, 18 May 2011 14:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116828/dilnot-commission-told-to-reduce-means-testing-in-care-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116828/dilnot-commission-told-to-reduce-means-testing-in-care-system.htmlThe Dilnot Commission on care funding has heard an unequivocal call to reduce means-testing by increasing the £23,250 savings threshold before people have to start paying for care in England. Commission chair Andrew Dilnot (pictured) described the opposition to the threshold as "overwhelming".Wed, 18 May 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmlPractitioners throughout the UK will be able to celebrate their achievements by entering the revamped Social Worker of the Year Awards, to be launched at Community Care Live today. Wed, 18 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/17/116830/teather-downbeat-over-green-paper-plan-for-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/17/116830/teather-downbeat-over-green-paper-plan-for-joint-working.htmlChildren's and families minister Sarah Teather has admitted that it will be difficult to achieve the joint working needed to make the government's Green Paper proposals on children with disabilities a reality.Tue, 17 May 2011 13:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116787/value-of-carers-outstrips-nhs-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116787/value-of-carers-outstrips-nhs-budget.htmlCarers save the UK £119bn a year, more than the entire cost of the NHS in England, a study published today by Carers UK has found. Thu, 12 May 2011 01:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116778/service-users-should-get-direct-payments-for-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116778/service-users-should-get-direct-payments-for-residential-care.htmlRestrictions on giving service users direct payments to buy long-term residential care should be abolished to increase choice and control, today's Law Commission report on the reform of adult social care law has proposed.Wed, 11 May 2011 16:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116779/law-review-backs-off-giving-social-workers-powers-of-entry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116779/law-review-backs-off-giving-social-workers-powers-of-entry.htmlThe Law Commission has failed to recommend giving social workers powers to enter people's homes to help investigate adult abuse, in its proposed reforms to adult care law.Wed, 11 May 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116780/dont-let-jargon-ruin-law-commissions-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116780/dont-let-jargon-ruin-law-commissions-reforms.htmlLegal analyst Ed Mitchell gives his verdict on the Law Commission's proposals for the biggest shake-up in adult social care law in 60 years. Wed, 11 May 2011 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116782/sickness-benefit-test-failing-people-with-fluctuating-conditions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116782/sickness-benefit-test-failing-people-with-fluctuating-conditions.htmlCharities have demanded an overhaul of the test of eligibility for sickness benefit on the basis that it is failing people with fluctuating conditions. Wed, 11 May 2011 00:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116763/disabled-fear-pressure-to-die-if-assisted-suicide-is-legalised.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116763/disabled-fear-pressure-to-die-if-assisted-suicide-is-legalised.htmlVulnerable people would come under pressure to end their lives prematurely if assisted suicide were legalised, fear disabled people. Mon, 09 May 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116761/flagship-scheme-may-fail-disabled-job-seekers-warn-mps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116761/flagship-scheme-may-fail-disabled-job-seekers-warn-mps.htmlDisabled people may be failed by the government's new flagship scheme for getting unemployed people back to work. Mon, 09 May 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116752/recovering-from-mental-health-illnesses-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116752/recovering-from-mental-health-illnesses-in-scotland.htmlHonesty can be difficult when it comes to admitting to mental illness. Mon, 09 May 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116746/social-care-professionals-oppose-outsourcing-finds-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116746/social-care-professionals-oppose-outsourcing-finds-survey.htmlEXCLUSIVE: The transfer of social care services from councils to private providers has been bad for the sector, and government plans to go further in this direction risk wreaking future damage, say professionals. Thu, 05 May 2011 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/116741/care-quality-commission-visits-drop-by-70.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/116741/care-quality-commission-visits-drop-by-70.htmlAdult care providers have seen a 70% drop in inspections by the Care Quality Commission in the past year, a fall described as "frightening and unacceptable" by Gary FitzGerald (pictured), chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, and prompting fears for the welfare of service users. Tue, 03 May 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/28/116739/councils-sound-alarm-over-50-care-charge-cap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/28/116739/councils-sound-alarm-over-50-care-charge-cap.htmlWelsh councils fear a new £50 cap on weekly community care charges will increase costs and demand for services, according to a new report. Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116731/scottish-parties-fight-for-carers-votes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116731/scottish-parties-fight-for-carers-votes.htmlScotland's political parties are vying for the votes of carers by presenting manifestos targeted at them. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116723/pickles-told-to-keep-social-care-duties-by-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116723/pickles-told-to-keep-social-care-duties-by-sector.htmlSocial workers and sector leaders have told ministers to retain councils' duties to assess and provide social care, in response to a consultation - ordered by communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) - that proposed abolishing them.Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116721/scots-councils-slam-health-and-social-care-merger-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116721/scots-councils-slam-health-and-social-care-merger-plans.htmlLabour and Scottish National Party plans to merge health and social care would cost £300m and simply "change the badge on a social care worker's shirt", local government leaders have warned on the eve of the Scottish Parliament elections. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116717/adult-care-staff-cast-as-villains-due-to-cuts-says-adass-head.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116717/adult-care-staff-cast-as-villains-due-to-cuts-says-adass-head.htmlCouncil adult services officers are wrongly being made out to be the "villains of the piece" because of the cuts they are having to implement, a leading director warned today after his authority lost a key legal case. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116716/judge-overturns-council-plan-to-raise-eligibility-to-critical.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116716/judge-overturns-council-plan-to-raise-eligibility-to-critical.htmlBirmingham Council's plan to raise eligibility thresholds to critical has been overturned after a judge ruled it unlawful. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.html Funding cuts are forcing homelessness projects to cut bed numbers and rely more on volunteers and part-time staff, research finds today. The annual...Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116709/free-social-workers-from-bureaucracy-says-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116709/free-social-workers-from-bureaucracy-says-inquiry.htmlSocial workers should be freed from bureaucratic assessment procedures to spend more time with adult service users to drive personalisation, a six-month inquiry by sector experts published today has found. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/19/116705/abuse-and-poor-nutrition-uncovered-in-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/19/116705/abuse-and-poor-nutrition-uncovered-in-care-homes.htmlAbuse, a lack of cleanliness and poor nutrition have been uncovered in care homes by an undercover investigation by consumer group Which?. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116701/whistleblower-forced-to-quit-is-offered-job-back.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116701/whistleblower-forced-to-quit-is-offered-job-back.htmlA whistleblowing social worker forced to resign for exposing the overcharging of adults with learning disabilities has been offered his job back by the council after a report found he was bullied by managers.Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116702/councils-to-make-1bn-cuts-to-adult-care-this-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116702/councils-to-make-1bn-cuts-to-adult-care-this-year.htmlAdult care departments in England have made cuts worth about £1bn this year to cope with rising demand and tight budget settlements from government.Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116699/dilnot-commission-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116699/dilnot-commission-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-adult-care.htmlThe Dilnot care funding commission will recommend an end to the postcode lottery for care by calling for the introduction of a national system of assessment and eligibility, its chair has signalled. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116690/charities-slam-government-plan-to-scrap-poverty-payments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116690/charities-slam-government-plan-to-scrap-poverty-payments.htmlFifteen charities have slammed the government's consultation on scrapping national poverty payments, accusing it of containing "no analysis" of the needs of vulnerable recipients who stand to be driven deeper into poverty. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116681/councils-face-high-court-challenges-over-short-breaks-duty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116681/councils-face-high-court-challenges-over-short-breaks-duty.htmlTwo councils in northern England are facing High Court challenges after withdrawing funding for services that provide short breaks for disabled children.Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116680/welsh-labour-wants-charities-to-run-private-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116680/welsh-labour-wants-charities-to-run-private-care-services.htmlCharities could seize social care services in Wales from the private sector, under plans put forward by Welsh Labour today. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116677/dilnot-commission-told-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116677/dilnot-commission-told-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-care.htmlThe Dilnot commission on adult care funding has been told to end the postcode lottery by proposing a national eligibility threshold for support.Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116674/cuts-strand-disabled-people-without-employment-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116674/cuts-strand-disabled-people-without-employment-support.htmlDisabled people could be stranded in unemployment because jobs support services are being devastated by local authority spending cuts, a study has found.Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116676/lga-urges-talks-with-lansley-to-ensure-gps-help-vulnerable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116676/lga-urges-talks-with-lansley-to-ensure-gps-help-vulnerable.htmlCouncil leaders have called for face-to-face talks with health secretary Andrew Lansley to answer local authority concerns about his NHS reforms and ensure they do not fail vulnerable groups. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmlSocial work assistants are being asked to take on more complex cases because of the cuts hitting councils, interim findings of a survey have suggested. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116670/adult-social-workers-to-be-freed-from-council-control.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116670/adult-social-workers-to-be-freed-from-council-control.htmlSocial workers in six councils have been promised more freedom to work with service users independently of local authorities by piloting social work practices for adult social care. "Our plans will free-up front line social workers to do what they do best: help people maintain their independence," said care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured). Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116659/personalisation-chief-councils-wrong-to-cull-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116659/personalisation-chief-councils-wrong-to-cull-social-workers.htmlCouncils are wrong to cull social workers in their drive to implement self-directed care, the joint head of a new sector-wide partnership to promote personalisation has warned.Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116656/councils-that-fail-on-personalisation-face-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116656/councils-that-fail-on-personalisation-face-intervention.htmlCouncils that fail to deliver on personalisation could face government or Care Quality Commission intervention if they refuse support from within the social care sector to improve. This warning came from Richard Jones (pictured), the outgoing president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116645/tenth-of-social-care-workers-paid-less-than-minimum-wage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116645/tenth-of-social-care-workers-paid-less-than-minimum-wage.htmlNearly one in 10 social care staff is paid below the national minimum wage, a report by the Low Pay Commission has shown. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116651/councils-accused-of-flouting-guidance-on-care-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116651/councils-accused-of-flouting-guidance-on-care-charges.htmlCouncils are flouting government statutory guidance on the level of charges they can levy on disabled people for care services, campaigners have claimed. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116648/health-bill-delay-could-damage-long-term-care-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116648/health-bill-delay-could-damage-long-term-care-reform.htmlDelays to the government's health legislation could undermine the long-term reform of care funding, outgoing Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones (pictured) has warned. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116633/health-and-social-care-merger-at-heart-of-scots-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116633/health-and-social-care-merger-at-heart-of-scots-election.htmlRadical plans to merge health and adult social care are at the heart of the Scottish election campaign, with all of the major parties putting forward proposals to bring the two services together. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116629/adass-will-not-lobby-against-cuts-says-new-president.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116629/adass-will-not-lobby-against-cuts-says-new-president.htmlPeter Hay will not be lobbying the coalition government for a change in direction on cuts as he takes up the reins as president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116628/ethnic-minorities-still-over-represented-in-mental-healthcare.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116628/ethnic-minorities-still-over-represented-in-mental-healthcare.htmlPeople from ethnic minorities remain disproportionately represented on mental health wards with no signs of this reducing, the Care Quality Commission revealed today. CQC chair Jo Williams (pictured) responded by calling for more collaboration between health and social care agencies.Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116623/controversial-court-judgement-used-to-justify-care-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116623/controversial-court-judgement-used-to-justify-care-cuts.htmlCouncils are using a controversial legal decision to justify restricting a person's access to food and drink to cut costs, a care lawyer has claimed. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116616/disability-benefit-cut-to-go-ahead-despite-opposition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116616/disability-benefit-cut-to-go-ahead-despite-opposition.htmlThe government is pressing ahead with its proposed cuts to disability living allowance in the face of widespread opposition,...Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116612/reablement-must-be-personalised-if-it-is-to-improve.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116612/reablement-must-be-personalised-if-it-is-to-improve.htmlReablement services must be made more personalised to improve their effectiveness in promoting independence and clients' experience of them, consultants said today. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116609/miliband-urges-cameron-to-ditch-reckless-nhs-overhaul.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116609/miliband-urges-cameron-to-ditch-reckless-nhs-overhaul.htmlLabour leader Ed Miliband has urged the government to withdraw its "reckless" NHS reforms amid speculation that ministers will offer concessions to allay concerns. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116605/opposition-forces-dh-to-reject-payment-by-results-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116605/opposition-forces-dh-to-reject-payment-by-results-scheme.htmlThe government has rejected a national payment by results scheme for adult social care after it faced unanimous opposition from sector leaders. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116598/councils-may-face-court-battles-over-short-breaks-duty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116598/councils-may-face-court-battles-over-short-breaks-duty.htmlBudget cuts of up to 15% to services for disabled children could leave some councils open to legal challenges over the duty to provide short breaks, according to campaign group Every Disabled Child Matters.Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116596/one-in-seven-councils-raises-eligibility-bar-for-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116596/one-in-seven-councils-raises-eligibility-bar-for-adult-care.htmlOne in seven councils has increased its threshold for adult social care this year, leaving many older and disabled people facing reduced support, the Local Government Association revealed today.Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmlA council has recruited the UK’s first social work dog. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116592/adult-and-children-services-are-most-protected-by-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116592/adult-and-children-services-are-most-protected-by-councils.htmlMost councils say they are protecting children's and adults' services above all other services in the face of the 2011-12 budget cuts, a Local Government Association survey has shown. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116585/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-powers-to-cut-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116585/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-powers-to-cut-care.htmlCouncils' power to cut services on cost grounds without an assessment of needs could be overturned by the Supreme Court next week, after the right to an appeal was granted in a landmark case.Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116582/labour-plans-for-national-care-service-take-shape.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116582/labour-plans-for-national-care-service-take-shape.htmlLabour will go into the forthcoming Scottish elections pledging to create a National Care Service by 2015, integrating health and social care and underpinned by national quality standards. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116553/law-commission-reassures-over-future-of-adult-care-duties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116553/law-commission-reassures-over-future-of-adult-care-duties.htmlAdults' entitlements to social care have been thrown a lifeline following communities secretary Eric Pickles' controversial decision to put all council care duties under review, Community Care has learned. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116554/quarter-of-social-care-users-hit-by-cuts-so-far.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116554/quarter-of-social-care-users-hit-by-cuts-so-far.htmlAlmost a quarter of adult care users or carers have had their services cut before the full impact of government reductions in council budgets starts being felt from 1 April onwards, leading charities have found. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116560/550-councillors-demand-rethink-on-cuts-to-supporting-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116560/550-councillors-demand-rethink-on-cuts-to-supporting-people.htmlMore than 500 councillors in England have signed a letter urging all town halls to rethink cuts to programmes that provide housing-related support to vulnerable people. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116549/hard-to-reach-groups-at-risk-of-poor-outcomes-under-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116549/hard-to-reach-groups-at-risk-of-poor-outcomes-under-personalisation.htmlThe coalition wants all users on personal budgets by 2013 but with older people and those with mental health problems left behind and resources drying up, the future of personalisation is in doubt. Jeremy Dunning reports Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116542/charities-say-minister-misled-mps-over-disability-benefit-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116542/charities-say-minister-misled-mps-over-disability-benefit-cuts.htmlDisability charities have accused minister for disabled people Maria Miller of "misleading" MPs over the justification for government disability benefit cuts to care home residents. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmlChancellor George Osborne's Budget today boosted the Big Society, but there were no new duties on alcohol and no let up in the government's programme of cuts.Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116518/equality-watchdog-sounds-warning-over-curbs-to-its-powers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116518/equality-watchdog-sounds-warning-over-curbs-to-its-powers.htmlPlans set out today to curb the powers of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission have raised concerns at the fairness watchdog.Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmlThe government's drive to outsource social care and other public services risks damaging service quality, weakening accountability and harming working conditions, a report has said. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116492/ministers-bid-to-protect-residents-of-ailing-care-provider.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116492/ministers-bid-to-protect-residents-of-ailing-care-provider.htmlMinisters have intervened to protect the 31,000 residents of ailing care home provider Southern Cross Healthcare, after chief executive Jamie Buchan (pictured) admitted that it was no longer able to pay rents owed to the landlords who own its homes. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116450/integrate-health-and-social-care-budgets-to-avoid-conflicts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116450/integrate-health-and-social-care-budgets-to-avoid-conflicts.htmlHealth and adult social care funding in England should be integrated nationally and locally to prevent bed blocking and conflicts over resources, a King's Fund report said today. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116453/self-neglect-cases-how-should-social-workers-intervene.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116453/self-neglect-cases-how-should-social-workers-intervene.htmlWith the law so unclear, professional intervention in cases of self-neglect can be fraught with difficulties. Yet, as Vern Pitt reports, the pressure on social workers to 'do something' is great Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmlGovernment attempts to curb council duties to support disabled people would be fought "tooth and nail", the architect of many of those duties has warned. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116471/number-of-liberty-safeguard-applications-varies-widely.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116471/number-of-liberty-safeguard-applications-varies-widely.htmlThe number of deprivation of liberty safeguard applications for people lacking capacity varies widely between local authorities, two reports show.Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116467/support-for-disabled-people-at-risk-in-council-duties-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116467/support-for-disabled-people-at-risk-in-council-duties-review.htmlCouncil duties to support disabled people and carers could be scrapped on the back of the government's review of all social care duties launched last week.Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116461/social-work-role-unclear-in-disabilities-green-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116461/social-work-role-unclear-in-disabilities-green-paper.htmlSocial care professionals working with disabled children and those with special educational needs are anxious about their future role after publication of the government's strategy document sparked confusion.Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116456/minister-unclear-on-social-worker-role-with-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116456/minister-unclear-on-social-worker-role-with-disabled-children.htmlChildren and Families minister Sarah Teather (left) has admitted she does not know where social workers fit into the government's vision for children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmlAbolishing councils' legal duties to provide social care would breach human rights law, a lawyer has warned after communities secretary Eric Pickles floated the idea. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmlMPs have condemned the government for consulting on the removal of statutory social care duties, branding the moves "terrifying" and "unthinkable". Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116434/government-could-abolish-all-council-social-care-duties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116434/government-could-abolish-all-council-social-care-duties.htmlThe government will take social care "back to year zero" if it removes duties on councils to support service users, as part of the war on "barmy" rules declared by communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured). Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 10 Mar 2011 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmlCouncils throughout England are slashing services as a result of their budgets being cut. Jeremy Dunning, Kirsty McGregor and Molly Garboden examine the impact on four authoritiesWed, 09 Mar 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116418/dementia-patients-receive-unlawful-hospital-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116418/dementia-patients-receive-unlawful-hospital-care.htmlHospitals are treating patients with dementia unlawfully by failing to apply safeguards for those who lack capacity to consent, Scotland's mental health watchdog said today. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmlMore than 100 prominent social care academics and policy experts have urged the governments to drop its plans for welfare reform because they say the plans will penalise disabled people.Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/06/116387/support-that-produces-good-outcomes-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/06/116387/support-that-produces-good-outcomes-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlParents with learning disabilities are too often disregarded by statutory agencies, but, reports Gordon Carson, with the right support, their children can flourish in their care Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116397/council-ditches-plan-to-set-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116397/council-ditches-plan-to-set-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlBirmingham Council has ditched plans to set the country's highest adult care eligibility threshold following opposition from disability groups. Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116391/children-with-special-educational-needs-must-be-better-supported.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116391/children-with-special-educational-needs-must-be-better-supported.htmlA recent Ofsted report found schools were over-diagnosing special educational needs (SEN) among students. But not enough has been said about educational provision for those who do have special needs and the knock-on impact on health and well-being.Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116381/experts-warn-of-postcode-lottery-in-learning-disability-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116381/experts-warn-of-postcode-lottery-in-learning-disability-services.htmlLearning disabled service users face a postcode lottery in support because the government is to axe the team delivering the Valuing People Now strategy, experts have warned.Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116380/high-court-forces-council-to-support-teenager-with-autism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116380/high-court-forces-council-to-support-teenager-with-autism.htmlThe family of a teenager with severe autism has won a High Court appeal to force a local authority to provide support for him once he turns 18.Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116377/government-axes-learning-disability-programme-team.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116377/government-axes-learning-disability-programme-team.htmlThe government has axed the team delivering its central learning disability strategy even though it has nearly a year left to run.Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116343/protecting-learning-disabled-victims-of-forced-marriage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116343/protecting-learning-disabled-victims-of-forced-marriage.htmlThe forced marriage of learning disabled people is a hidden scandal. Mithran Samuel asks how practitioners might spot such cases and safeguard service users Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116340/identifying-autism-in-children-from-ethnic-minorities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116340/identifying-autism-in-children-from-ethnic-minorities.htmlMany children on the autism spectrum from ethnic minorities are not being diagnosed properly, and their families often struggle to gain support. Dr Mitzi Waltz explains why Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/28/116359/scottish-government-to-invest-2m-extra-in-short-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/28/116359/scottish-government-to-invest-2m-extra-in-short-breaks.htmlA further £2m is to be invested in Scotland on short breaks for families with severely disabled children.Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116350/pct-mergers-threaten-joint-working-warn-social-care-leaders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116350/pct-mergers-threaten-joint-working-warn-social-care-leaders.htmlJoint health and social care arrangements are at risk from government plans to merge primary care trusts, sector leaders have warned in a letter to health secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured).Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116345/ministers-own-advisers-slam-disability-benefit-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116345/ministers-own-advisers-slam-disability-benefit-cuts.htmlThe government's own welfare advisers have slammed its plan to make £2.2bn worth of cuts to disability living allowance.Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116338/uk-faces-shortage-of-100000-care-home-beds-report-warns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116338/uk-faces-shortage-of-100000-care-home-beds-report-warns.htmlThe UK faces a 100,000 shortage in care home beds by 2020 because of council cuts and the ageing society, Bupa warned today. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 06:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmlMental health social workers are "angry" about job and service cuts that are undermining their ability to care and increasing workloads, a social work chief has said.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116334/dla-reform-making-the-benefit-fit-the-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116334/dla-reform-making-the-benefit-fit-the-budget.htmlHow many of your clients receive disability living allowance? How will it affect them – and you – if the DLA budget for people of working-age is slashed by 20% in three to four years time.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmlMental health trusts are planning acute jobs cuts with some planning to shed 15% from their workforces, it was revealed today. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116329/tool-to-identify-costly-social-care-users-promises-big-savings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116329/tool-to-identify-costly-social-care-users-promises-big-savings.htmlCouncils could make huge savings by identifying people at risk of requiring high-cost social care in future, through a new IT tool. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116311/ministers-dont-know-how-2bn-benefit-cut-will-affect-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116311/ministers-dont-know-how-2bn-benefit-cut-will-affect-users.htmlThe government's impact assessment of its £2bn cut to disability living allowance has been slammed for failing to assess how many people will lose support, nine months after the policy was announced.Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmlWelsh care providers have hailed plans to curb individual councils' role in social care as a "victory for common sense", after the Welsh government announced a 10-year plan for social services today. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116295/disability-benefits-slashed-in-welfare-reform-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116295/disability-benefits-slashed-in-welfare-reform-bill.htmlDisabled people will be the big losers in the government's overhaul of the benefits system unveiled today in the Welfare Reform Bill. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116284/adult-care-providers-face-less-scrutiny-warns-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116284/adult-care-providers-face-less-scrutiny-warns-adass.htmlAdult care directors are seeking "urgent" talks with the Care Quality Commission over concerns that a new ratings system for providers will reduce scrutiny of services, to the detriment of users. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116282/court-to-rule-on-sterilisation-of-learning-disabled-mother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116282/court-to-rule-on-sterilisation-of-learning-disabled-mother.htmlLearning disabled women should only face enforced sterilisation on medical grounds, not for birth control, Mencap has said ahead of a high-profile case on the issue tomorrow. Picture: Rex FeaturesMon, 14 Feb 2011 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116270/adult-care-staff-to-be-hived-off-to-council-trading-companies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116270/adult-care-staff-to-be-hived-off-to-council-trading-companies.htmlAt least 20 councils are planning to hive off their adult social care services to local authority trading companies. (Pic: Rex features)Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116274/using-human-rights-law-to-fight-service-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116274/using-human-rights-law-to-fight-service-cuts.htmlCampaigners are resorting to legislation to guarantee care and support for service users, with the Down's Syndrome Association leading by example, reports Vern Pitt Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmlThree Tory-led London boroughs will slash management posts across children's and adults' services by creating single departments for both, as part of moves to save £35m. Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmlThe government has admitted it risks undermining its plans to help one million people recover from mental health problems because of massive cuts in civil service expertise. The plans were announced today by health secretary Andrew Lansley in the government's mental health strategy. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/31/116195/disabled-children-bear-brunt-of-grant-cuts-in-east-sussex.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/31/116195/disabled-children-bear-brunt-of-grant-cuts-in-east-sussex.htmlDisabled children are among those hit the hardest as East Sussex Council proposes budget cuts of £4.5m (pic: Alamy)Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/27/116170/social-workers-need-more-training-in-talking-about-death.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/27/116170/social-workers-need-more-training-in-talking-about-death.htmlCouncils could save money from end-of-life care packages by giving social workers more training in talking to people nearing death, a study reveals (Pic: Alamy).Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116175/council-accused-of-misleading-public-over-care-home-closures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116175/council-accused-of-misleading-public-over-care-home-closures.htmlKent Council has been reported to the Audit Commission, accused of misleading the public in a consultation on care home closures.Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116162/learning-disabled-parents-set-up-to-fail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116162/learning-disabled-parents-set-up-to-fail.htmlThe parents who are set up to fail n theory, people with support needs are entitled to pursue ordinary lives and enjoy equal rights. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmlSocial care professionals may be still trying to get their heads around the 367-page Health and Social Care Bill published last week, but their health colleagues appear to have already made up their minds about health secretary Andrew Lansley's plans. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/23/116149/payment-by-results-enters-adult-social-care-field.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/23/116149/payment-by-results-enters-adult-social-care-field.htmlThe method of funding NHS hospitals may be extended to adult care. Gordon Carson examines payment by results' prospects Sun, 23 Jan 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmlCouncils are failing to respond adequately to allegations of abuse of vulnerable adults, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) warned today in its annual report. (Picture: Rex, model released) Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116134/plans-for-nhs-market-put-vulnerable-at-risk-warn-clinicians.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116134/plans-for-nhs-market-put-vulnerable-at-risk-warn-clinicians.htmlPlans to increase competition in the NHS risk harming the care of vulnerable patients, health professionals warned today as the government published its Health and Social Care Bill.Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmlInformation technology could help adult social care departments to combat the severe financial and demographic pressures they face. But it may be some time before savings are fully quantified and realised, finds Gordon Carson, who looks at three contrasting uses of computer power Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116120/self-funders-shun-social-services-because-of-stigma.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116120/self-funders-shun-social-services-because-of-stigma.htmlSelf-funders are shunning social services because of perceived stigma and those who do seek help have their low expectations repeatedly reinforced, a damning report concluded today.Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116119/providers-promise-to-save-councils-money-and-boost-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116119/providers-promise-to-save-councils-money-and-boost-outcomes.htmlCouncils can avoid slashing adult care services and improving user outcomes by commissioning a new integrated offer combining home care, telecare and home adaptations, claim the providers behind the initiative.Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116116/bed-blocking-concerns-spark-health-social-care-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116116/bed-blocking-concerns-spark-health-social-care-row.htmlThe re-emergence of bed-blocking as an issue, amid growing difficulty devising support packages for those ready to leave hospital, has inevitably started a blame game between health and social care (Image: Rex). Mon, 17 Jan 2011 07:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/14/116108/disability-benefit-cuts-will-force-people-out-of-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/14/116108/disability-benefit-cuts-will-force-people-out-of-work.htmlHalf of working disability living allowance (DLA) claimants will have to stop working if they are deemed ineligible for the benefit as a result of proposed cuts, a survey has found. The results were released at the start of a three-day online campaign - One Month Before Heartbreak - against the cuts.Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116098/support-and-research-gaps-in-learning-disability.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116098/support-and-research-gaps-in-learning-disability.htmlDr Nick Gore presents key research findings on learning disabilities Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116096/vulnerable-groups-face-savage-housing-support-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116096/vulnerable-groups-face-savage-housing-support-cuts.htmlSupporting People services are facing average cuts of 17% next year, hitting vulnerable groups such as mental health patients and homeless people (pictured, credit Rex, model released).Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116088/ministers-justification-for-disability-benefit-cut-false.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116088/ministers-justification-for-disability-benefit-cut-false.htmlCharities have rebuffed the government's key justification for cutting up to £50 a week in mobility benefits for disabled care home residents and have called for the policy to be scrapped.Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmlVoluntary social care organisations are being devastated by public spending cuts that threaten to undermine the government's Big Society agenda, research by Community Care reveals. (Picture: the Epilepsy Society's Chalfont Centre may see cuts)Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116085/stroke-survivors-face-postcode-lottery-in-community-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116085/stroke-survivors-face-postcode-lottery-in-community-care.html Stroke survivors face a postcode lottery in aftercare with big inconsistencies in access to rehabilitation between areas, the Care Quality Commission said...Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116073/social-care-and-benefits-cuts-to-slash-incomes-for-disabled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116073/social-care-and-benefits-cuts-to-slash-incomes-for-disabled.htmlCuts to social care and benefits will see the living standards of the poorest half of disabled people in Norfolk drop by more than a third over the next four years, a study out today reveals (Image: Rex). Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116062/bed-blocking-not-our-fault-say-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116062/bed-blocking-not-our-fault-say-councils.htmlSocial care leaders have rebuffed claims this week that bed-blocking is on the rise because of councils' failure to provide sufficient social care servicesThu, 06 Jan 2011 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmlAdult social care and children's services in Northern Ireland face significant job losses amid concern that a small growth in expenditure will be insufficient to meet rising demand.Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmlCare workers and bosses are this week celebrating a "huge victory" after the government's temporary immigration cap was ruled illegal and quashed on Friday. The High Court decision means many overseas care workers could have work permits reinstated after having had them removed. (Image from Rex) Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmlThe government will press ahead with its overhaul of the NHS but has responded to concerns that it will disrupt joint working between health and social care by strengthening proposed partnership arrangements.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116029/primary-care-trusts-to-be-merged-ahead-of-abolition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116029/primary-care-trusts-to-be-merged-ahead-of-abolition.htmlPrimary care trusts will be merged into "clusters" next year ahead of their abolition in 2013, the government announced today.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116003/independent-living-fund-faces-abolition-after-2015.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116003/independent-living-fund-faces-abolition-after-2015.htmlThe Independent Living Fund looks set to be abolished after 2015 after ministers declared the social care agency's current position was "financially unsustainable". Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116006/fears-for-social-care-as-government-cuts-budgets-by-up-to-9.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116006/fears-for-social-care-as-government-cuts-budgets-by-up-to-9.htmlCouncils in England will lose an average of 4.4% in revenue next year due to Whitehall cuts, the government has announced, leading to fears for the future of social work services. Communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) told MPs that no authority would see its spending power cut by more than 9%.Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116005/council-alarming-disabled-people-over-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116005/council-alarming-disabled-people-over-charges.htmlA council has been accused of alarming disabled people by sending out confusing consultation letters over proposed changes to its adult care charging system. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmlEdinburgh Council will struggle to maintain its social care provision after being one of the worst hit by the Scottish government's local authorities settlement, the lead member for social care has warned.Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116002/short-breaks-to-be-funded-through-early-intervention-grant.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116002/short-breaks-to-be-funded-through-early-intervention-grant.htmlShort-break funding is to form part of the early intervention grant announced in the comprehensive spending review.Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmlSuffolk Council plans to integrate adults' and children's social care and health services into outsourced "trusts" as it radically reshapes services.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115970/effect-of-benefit-reforms-on-disabled-people-unknown-says-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115970/effect-of-benefit-reforms-on-disabled-people-unknown-says-minister.htmlMinister for disabled people, Maria Miller, has said she does not know how many disabled people will be affected by government plans to reform disability living allowance (DLA), or how much the changes will cost.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115971/thousands-more-to-face-50-a-week-disability-benefit-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115971/thousands-more-to-face-50-a-week-disability-benefit-cut.htmlAn additional 20,000 disabled people in residential care are set to lose benefits worth up to £50 a week, according to revised government estimates. Picture: Fotex/Rex Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115956/wheelchair-users-may-miss-out-in-benefits-shake-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115956/wheelchair-users-may-miss-out-in-benefits-shake-up.htmlDisability living allowance will be scrapped and replaced by a benefit with tighter eligibility criteria, under government plans announced today. (Picture: Rex)Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115969/ken-clarkes-reforms-to-divert-young-and-mentally-ill-from-jail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115969/ken-clarkes-reforms-to-divert-young-and-mentally-ill-from-jail.htmlThe government will divert more offenders with mental health or drug problems into treatment and test giving councils responsibility for youth custody in order to reduce jail numbers, under plans announced by justice secretary Ken Clarke today. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115968/charities-confidence-hits-record-low-as-cuts-loom.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115968/charities-confidence-hits-record-low-as-cuts-loom.htmlImpending public spending cuts have left charity leaders' confidence in their financial future at a record low, according to a survey published today by sector body the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115961/coventry-uses-its-resource-allocation-system-to-aim-for-better-client-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115961/coventry-uses-its-resource-allocation-system-to-aim-for-better-client-outcomes.htmlCoventry Council is using the resource allocation system to ensure support for users is based on the outcomes they want to achieve, not their needs, finds Gordon CarsonTue, 07 Dec 2010 00:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115963/charities-urge-reversal-of-funding-cut-for-homeless-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115963/charities-urge-reversal-of-funding-cut-for-homeless-services.htmlHomelessness charities are urging pan-capital organisation London Councils to reverse its decision to end funding for 28 services for single homeless people. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115959/national-eligibility-threshold-proposed-for-welsh-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115959/national-eligibility-threshold-proposed-for-welsh-adult-care.htmlProposals to establish a country-wide eligibility threshold in Wales have been heralded as a means of ending the postcode lottery for adult social care.Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115957/learning-disabled-placed-in-care-homes-for-older-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115957/learning-disabled-placed-in-care-homes-for-older-people.htmlLearning disabled adults in Scotland are facing decades of "benign neglect" in older people's care homes where their needs are going unmet, campaigners warned today.Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115948/councils-eye-birminghams-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115948/councils-eye-birminghams-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlMany more councils could move to a super-critical eligibility threshold for care, following Birmingham Council's proposal to do so, according to sector heads.Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmlPlans to outsource adult social workers from councils to social enterprises could enable practitioners to become user advocates, rather than gatekeepers of careFri, 03 Dec 2010 14:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115941/carers-missing-out-on-840m-in-unclaimed-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115941/carers-missing-out-on-840m-in-unclaimed-benefits.htmlCarers are missing out on over £840m in benefits each year, Carers UK revealed today. On the annual Carers Rights Day, the charity said that about 300,000 people entitled to carer's allowance were missing out on the benefit. "We hear from families who are simply not told about the support that is there for them," said Carers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond (pictured). Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115935/social-care-staff-battle-through-snow-to-reach-clients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115935/social-care-staff-battle-through-snow-to-reach-clients.htmlSocial care staff have been battling snow and ice to provide services to frail and vulnerable people.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115939/storm-of-protest-greets-birminghams-super-critical-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115939/storm-of-protest-greets-birminghams-super-critical-threshold.htmlBirmingham Council's proposals to move to a "super-critical" eligibility threshold has been slammed as cruel, possibly illegal and an attack on the poor and vulnerable.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115937/top-campaigner-to-probe-government-work-support-for-disabled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115937/top-campaigner-to-probe-government-work-support-for-disabled.htmlEmployment support programmes for disabled people are to be put under scrutiny in a government-commissioned review headed by leading disability campaigner Liz Sayce.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115931/council-to-outsource-social-workers-and-set-tightest-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115931/council-to-outsource-social-workers-and-set-tightest-threshold.htmlBirmingham Council would outsource all its adult social workers to a social enterprise and set the country's tightest eligibility threshold for care, under cost-cutting plans announced yesterday. (Pic: Rex Features)Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115928/social-care-staff-urged-to-shape-future-adult-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115928/social-care-staff-urged-to-shape-future-adult-care-funding.htmlSocial care staff and others have been asked to have their say on how the care funding system in England should be reformed, as the Commission on Funding Care and Support launched a call for evidence today.Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115917/councils-still-under-big-pressures-in-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115917/councils-still-under-big-pressures-in-learning-disabilities.htmlCouncils in England are continuing to face greater pressures in learning disabilities than in other service areas, figures out today show.Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115912/service-hubs-should-be-formed-around-sen-says-think-tank.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115912/service-hubs-should-be-formed-around-sen-says-think-tank.htmlIndependent assessment panels in local authorities should become "assessment hubs" for children with special education needs (SEN) services, according to a report by the Policy Exchange think-tank.Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/28/115905/former-orchard-hill-residents-flourishing-out-in-the-community.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/28/115905/former-orchard-hill-residents-flourishing-out-in-the-community.htmlThree years after institutional abuse was found at Orchard Hill, England's last long-stay hospital, former residents and staff are flourishing out in the community. Natalie Valios reports Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmlThe equality watchdog has said it will examine the impact of the government's spending review on disabled people, women and minority ethnic communities. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmlGPs will get £6m worth of training over the next four years to help them identify carers earlier and tackle their health needs, the government has announced today. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmlThe government is planning to hand councils responsibility for Social Fund poverty grants designed help people live independently. The move has prompted concerns about social workers' role from BASW's Ruth Cartwright (pictured) and other sector heads. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115873/councils-improve-for-eighth-year-running-in-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115873/councils-improve-for-eighth-year-running-in-adult-care.htmlCouncil performance in adult social care improved for the eighth year running in the final annual performance assessment for England, published today. Care Quality Commission chief executive Cynthia Bower praised the results but said councils need to strive to improve further.Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115885/sickness-benefit-reforms-will-not-work-warn-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115885/sickness-benefit-reforms-will-not-work-warn-experts.htmlChanges to sickness benefit assessments, announced yesterday, will not make the system fit for purpose and cannot be delivered before the government starts reassessing 1.5m existing claimants, experts have warned. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115882/stroke-survivors-face-unmet-needs-amid-threats-to-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115882/stroke-survivors-face-unmet-needs-amid-threats-to-services.htmlHalf of stroke survivors have unmet needs for support to address issues such as memory problems, fatigue and emotional concerns, as services are threatened with cuts, the largest UK survey of the client group has found.Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115869/dismissing-pas-could-leave-users-liable-for-large-payouts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115869/dismissing-pas-could-leave-users-liable-for-large-payouts.htmlService users who lose financial support from councils may be liable to substantial redundancy payments if they dismiss their personal assistants, an insurance company has warned. (Picture credit: Rex)Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115875/sickness-benefit-assessments-go-ahead-despite-flaws-in-test.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115875/sickness-benefit-assessments-go-ahead-despite-flaws-in-test.htmlThe government will press on with its timetable to reassess 1.5m incapacity benefit claimants on their fitness to work despite a review published today that exposes serious flaws in the assessment process.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115874/scots-set-out-10-year-plan-to-personalise-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115874/scots-set-out-10-year-plan-to-personalise-care.htmlThe Scottish government today laid out a 10-year plan to personalise the country's adult social care and support services through self-directed support.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115871/poor-services-have-had-performance-records-wiped-admits-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115871/poor-services-have-had-performance-records-wiped-admits-cqc.htmlPoorly rated services have had their performance records wiped from the Care Quality Commission's website after re-registering with the regulator after changing small details such as their company name, it has admitted.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115870/sickness-benefit-test-faces-overhaul-after-critical-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115870/sickness-benefit-test-faces-overhaul-after-critical-review.htmlThe assessment for people claiming sickness benefit will be overhauled after an independent review found that it was characterised by poor decision-making and a lack of transparency. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115847/early-intervention-grant-expected-to-fund-short-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115847/early-intervention-grant-expected-to-fund-short-breaks.htmlShort breaks for disabled children may have to be funded from the £2bn early intervention grant announced in the comprehensive spending review it was revealed at Community Care Live Children and Families.Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115844/legal-aid-cuts-will-harm-vulnerable-warn-campaigners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115844/legal-aid-cuts-will-harm-vulnerable-warn-campaigners.htmlCampaigners have warned that vulnerable people will suffer from government plans to remove legal aid from many social welfare cases. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115843/scots-and-welsh-cuts-aim-to-protect-social-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115843/scots-and-welsh-cuts-aim-to-protect-social-care-services.htmlThe Scottish and Welsh governments have sought to protect social care from swingeing cuts in draft budgets that would see councils in the two countries face smaller reductions than counterparts in England.Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115836/government-drops-duty-on-councils-to-back-economic-equality.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115836/government-drops-duty-on-councils-to-back-economic-equality.htmlThe government has ditched a duty on public bodies to take into account socio-economic inequalities when designing policies.Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115834/cuts-will-damage-personal-budget-roll-out-warn-charities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115834/cuts-will-damage-personal-budget-roll-out-warn-charities.htmlThe government's roll-out of personal budgets could be scuppered by cuts, a lack of support for users and the collapse of traditional services.Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115829/short-breaks-for-carers-boosted-by-400m-in-extra-funds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115829/short-breaks-for-carers-boosted-by-400m-in-extra-funds.htmlShort breaks for carers in England have been boosted by an extra £400m over the next four years. Announcing the funding today, care services minister Paul Burstow said he wanted to see carers determine how the funding was used through direct payments. Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115826/service-user-budget-holders-could-be-priced-out-of-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115826/service-user-budget-holders-could-be-priced-out-of-services.htmlPersonal budget holders could have their choice and control "critically undermined" by being priced out of the services that they want to access, according to a report by think tank Demos.Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115821/ministers-urge-councils-to-outsource-more.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115821/ministers-urge-councils-to-outsource-more.htmlMinisters have told councils to protect the frontline from spending cuts by outsourcing more services, cutting care management costs and shifting resources out of residential care into the community. (Picture: home care provision; credit Rex) Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115818/three-in-10-councils-risk-legal-challenge-over-short-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115818/three-in-10-councils-risk-legal-challenge-over-short-breaks.htmlTwenty-eight per cent of local authorities could face legal challenges over the criteria for short breaks for disabled childrenTue, 16 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115810/lack-of-evidence-blamed-for-esa-appeals-success.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115810/lack-of-evidence-blamed-for-esa-appeals-success.htmlThe Department for Work and Pensions has blamed the high rate of successful appeals against decisions to deny disabled people employment and support allowance on failure to collect evidence. Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115806/charities-round-on-welfare-reform-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115806/charities-round-on-welfare-reform-plans.htmlDisability and mental health charities, as well as carers' groups, have questioned the feasibility of the government's welfare reform plans, published yesterday.Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115786/research-effective-support-for-learning-disabled-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115786/research-effective-support-for-learning-disabled-parents.htmlA study in Wales shows that parents with learning disabilities have mixed experiences of services. Nick Gore looks at how the findings could inform better practice Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115776/home-care-providers-face-human-rights-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115776/home-care-providers-face-human-rights-probe.htmlAn investigation starts today into the protection of human rights of people receiving home care. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115756/new-immigration-rules-will-lead-to-social-care-skills-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115756/new-immigration-rules-will-lead-to-social-care-skills-crisis.htmlThousands of overseas care workers could be forced out of the country due to a government crackdown on immigration, the English Community Care Association has warned. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115768/cqc-report-reveals-care-home-size-is-increasing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115768/cqc-report-reveals-care-home-size-is-increasing.htmlThe average size of a care home is growing despite larger homes offering lower quality care, figures from the Care Quality Commission reveal.Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115762/door-opened-for-cheaper-social-care-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115762/door-opened-for-cheaper-social-care-provision.htmlSocial care service users could find their services being cut as councils look for the cheapest way of meeting their needs, experts are warning.Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115758/adass-urges-ministers-to-justify-no-need-for-care-cuts-claim.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115758/adass-urges-ministers-to-justify-no-need-for-care-cuts-claim.htmlThe Association of Directors of Adult Social Services is seeking an urgent meeting with government over its claim that councils have no excuse to cut adult care services over the coming years.Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115757/councils-to-get-hands-on-most-of-nhs-1bn-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115757/councils-to-get-hands-on-most-of-nhs-1bn-for-social-care.htmlCouncils will get their hands on the majority of £1bn in annual NHS funding for social care over the next four years, and will be able to use it to help prop up existing care services, health secretary Andrew Lansley has said.Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115754/quarter-of-social-care-users-now-have-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115754/quarter-of-social-care-users-now-have-personal-budgets.htmlOne in four recipients of care services is now using a personal budget, new figures reveal.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115752/social-work-practices-could-fragment-services-warns-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115752/social-work-practices-could-fragment-services-warns-adass.htmlAdult social work practices could fragment support for older and disabled people, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones has warned.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115751/social-care-providers-swamped-by-eu-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115751/social-care-providers-swamped-by-eu-bureaucracy.htmlExcessive adherence to European procurement rules, which are accused of swamping small-scale care providers with bureaucracy, is to be targeted in a new drive.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115743/lansley-backs-independent-practices-to-support-older-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115743/lansley-backs-independent-practices-to-support-older-people.htmlAdult social workers will be invited to form independent practices to support older and disabled people, health secretary Andrew Lansley has said today. Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115745/long-term-care-funding-commission-calls-for-bold-solution.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115745/long-term-care-funding-commission-calls-for-bold-solution.htmlThe man tasked with reforming long-term care funding has called for the sector's help in reaching a "bold" solution that the government would be "deeply embarrassed" to oppose.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115742/exclusive-lansley-to-tell-nhs-how-to-spend-social-care-cash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115742/exclusive-lansley-to-tell-nhs-how-to-spend-social-care-cash.htmlThe government will tell primary care trusts how they should spend £1bn in funding on social care to prevent it disappearing into NHS budgets, health secretary Andrew Lansley will tell social care leaders tomorrow.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115737/future-course-of-personalisation-plotted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115737/future-course-of-personalisation-plotted.htmlAdult social workers' roles should be more focused on service users in the most need to further the personalisation agenda, social care leaders have said.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115726/burstow-scraps-annual-cqc-assessment-for-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115726/burstow-scraps-annual-cqc-assessment-for-councils.htmlCouncils will no longer be assessed annually on their adult social care performance by the Care Quality Commission from next year. Care services minister Paul Burstow made the announcement today at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in Manchester. Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/01/115711/dla-cut-rouses-anger-of-disability-movement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/01/115711/dla-cut-rouses-anger-of-disability-movement.htmlThe disability movement has risen up in anger against government plans to cut disability living allowance for care home residents. Those affected include Simon Greenwood, who uses his benefit to fund a car to get out and about.Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/01/115675/personal-budgets-pose-financial-risk-for-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/01/115675/personal-budgets-pose-financial-risk-for-councils.htmlPersonal budgets are unlikely to generate significant cost savings for local authorities and their implementation poses major financial challenges and risks, the Audit Commission warned today.Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115709/social-care-sector-failing-older-people-with-sight-loss.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115709/social-care-sector-failing-older-people-with-sight-loss.htmlThe social care sector is failing to meet the needs of older people with sight loss because of a lack of staff training, poor co-ordination between agencies and insufficient emotional support, a study published today has found.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115650/personalisation-walsall-councils-advice-and-information-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115650/personalisation-walsall-councils-advice-and-information-service.htmlImproving advice and care for the public is key to personalisation and Walsall Council has made it a priority, finds Natalie Valios Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115702/council-risks-rift-with-mental-health-trust-over-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115702/council-risks-rift-with-mental-health-trust-over-cuts.htmlNorfolk Council is risking a rift with the county's mental health trust over its plans to cut £53m from adult care over the next three years.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115697/council-admits-53m-cuts-are-risk-to-disabled-and-elderly.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115697/council-admits-53m-cuts-are-risk-to-disabled-and-elderly.htmlNorfolk Council has admitted it risks limiting disabled and older people's independence and quality of life through a planned £53m cut to adult social care over the next three years.Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115681/care-funding-commission-sets-out-criteria-for-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115681/care-funding-commission-sets-out-criteria-for-reform.htmlThe future long-term care funding system must be easy for the public to understand, the commission charged with reforming it has said as it set out its criteria for change.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmlThe £7bn cuts in benefit spending announced in the comprehensive spending review, along with £11bn in welfare cuts from the Budget, will have significant implications for social care, says Gary Vaux.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115676/cqc-proposes-3.3m-hike-in-fees-for-care-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115676/cqc-proposes-3.3m-hike-in-fees-for-care-providers.htmlAdult care providers in England face a £3.3m hike in annual regulatory fees next year under proposals launched for consultation today by the Care Quality Commission.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115671/dementia-care-leaders-sign-pledge-to-improve-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115671/dementia-care-leaders-sign-pledge-to-improve-care.htmlDementia care leaders have produced a charter vowing to improve care across England over the next four years.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmlUnions are concerned that a move by three London councils to merge will see social workers becoming remote from families and that more services will be privatised. Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115662/csr-housing-cuts-risk-deepening-homelessness-and-poverty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115662/csr-housing-cuts-risk-deepening-homelessness-and-poverty.htmlHomelessness and poverty will rise on the back of cuts to housing funding and benefits announced in this week's comprehensive spending review (CSR), sector leaders have warned. Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmlThree Tory councils have announced plans to merge all their service to save up to £100m a year.Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115625/disability-groups-furious-at-sickness-benefits-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115625/disability-groups-furious-at-sickness-benefits-cuts.htmlDisability campaigners have slammed £2bn cuts to sickness benefits announced today by chancellor George Osborne as part of the comprehensive spending review.Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115632/paul-burstow-councils-have-no-excuse-to-cut-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115632/paul-burstow-councils-have-no-excuse-to-cut-adult-care.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has told councils that they have no excuse to cut adult social care despite yesterday's spending review delivering cuts of 28% to councils over the next four years.Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115619/osborne-finds-2bn-to-help-social-care-weather-council-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115619/osborne-finds-2bn-to-help-social-care-weather-council-cuts.htmlAdult social care will receive an extra £2bn a year by 2014-15 to help the sector withstand massive cuts to council funding announced today by Chancellor George Osborne in the spending review.Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115608/social-care-faces-up-to-spending-review-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115608/social-care-faces-up-to-spending-review-cuts.htmlSocial care is facing its biggest funding cuts in decades as the government prepares to announce its comprehensive spending review at 12.30 today. (Pictured: chancellor George Osborne; credit: Rex)Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115627/schools-must-share-burden-of-children-and-families-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115627/schools-must-share-burden-of-children-and-families-support.htmlSchools will have take on some of the children and families support work now carried out by children's services, sector experts say.Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115598/social-care-charities-must-adapt-to-survive-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115598/social-care-charities-must-adapt-to-survive-spending-cuts.htmlSocial care charities will need to become less reliant on public funding or go into partnership with each other to win public contracts if they are to survive a "maelstrom" of government cuts and funding changes.Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115586/council-plans-to-axe-care-for-isolated-with-new-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115586/council-plans-to-axe-care-for-isolated-with-new-threshold.htmlThurrock Council, Essex, would no longer meet the needs of adults "experiencing extreme isolation and distress" under plans to create a new 'upper substantial' eligibility band.Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115584/working-age-disabled-adults-could-bear-brunt-of-care-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115584/working-age-disabled-adults-could-bear-brunt-of-care-cuts.htmlDisabled adults of working age could bear the brunt of forthcoming adult care cuts because of council efforts to equalise the value of care packages between older and younger users, research has found. (Picture credit: Rex Features)Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115577/yjb-to-be-scrapped-in-quango-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115577/yjb-to-be-scrapped-in-quango-reform.htmlThe Youth Justice Board is to be scrapped as part of the government's "bonfire of the quangos" it was announced today, but the future of other social care public bodies remains uncertain. (Picture: Dominic's on flickr)Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115587/ilfs-future-still-up-for-grabs-says-adass-head.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115587/ilfs-future-still-up-for-grabs-says-adass-head.htmlThe Independent Living Fund could still have a future under government plans to consult on whether to retain it or transfer its funds to local authorities.Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115582/learning-disability-health-services-still-failing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115582/learning-disability-health-services-still-failing.htmlProgress on improving health and social care for learning disabled people has been slow despite a damning report last year, the Department of Health said today.Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115579/independent-living-fund-reprieve-welcomed-by-disability-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115579/independent-living-fund-reprieve-welcomed-by-disability-sector.htmlThe Independent Living Fund may have been granted a reprieve from closure as the government published plans to axe the numbers of quangos. The body...Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115559/burstow-gives-qualified-backing-to-social-work-contract.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115559/burstow-gives-qualified-backing-to-social-work-contract.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has given a qualified backing to Community Care and Unison's campaign for fairer working conditions.Thu, 14 Oct 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115572/access-to-talking-therapies-still-patchy-finds-mind.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115572/access-to-talking-therapies-still-patchy-finds-mind.htmlOne in 10 people referred for talking therapies is waiting more than two years for treatment, to the detriment of their mental health and job prospects, Mind reveals today.Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115558/exclusive-burstow-announces-4.4m-boost-for-carers-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115558/exclusive-burstow-announces-4.4m-boost-for-carers-support.htmlIn an exclusive interview, care services minister Paul Burstow has revealed details of targeted measures to improve awareness of carers among frontline professionals and give charities such as Carers UK the means to provide training themselves. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/12/115552/nhs-reform-threat-to-joint-social-care-and-health-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/12/115552/nhs-reform-threat-to-joint-social-care-and-health-working.htmlThe government’s NHS reforms risk driving health and social care apart unless action is taken to promote joint commissioning, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones has warned.Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115529/telehealth-technology-saves-money-study-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115529/telehealth-technology-saves-money-study-finds.htmlA project in Kent to assess the viability of telehealth technology has demonstrated that it has the potential to realise multi-million pound savings if rolled out across the UK.Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115528/john-healey-named-as-labours-shadow-health-secretary.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115528/john-healey-named-as-labours-shadow-health-secretary.htmlFormer housing minister John Healey has been named as the new shadow health secretary...Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115519/fiona-pilkingtons-family-sues-leicestershire-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115519/fiona-pilkingtons-family-sues-leicestershire-council.htmlLeicestershire Council social services are being sued by the family of Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and her disabled daughter following months of harassment.Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115513/too-far-too-fast-kings-fund-urges-caution-on-health-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115513/too-far-too-fast-kings-fund-urges-caution-on-health-reforms.html The King's Fund has called on ministers to reconsider the speed and scale of new health reforms warning of "significant risks" at a time of increasing financial...Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115475/council-cuts-will-damage-social-care-warn-doctors-leaders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115475/council-cuts-will-damage-social-care-warn-doctors-leaders.htmlGovernment plans for closer working between health and social care could be damaged because of savage cuts to local council budgets, doctors' leaders are...Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115464/birmingham-council-grapples-with-personalisation-agenda-amid-cuts-threat.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115464/birmingham-council-grapples-with-personalisation-agenda-amid-cuts-threat.htmlBirmingham has a plan to transform services that has started making savings, but the forthcoming spending review will put it in jeopardy, report Vern Pitt and Mithran Samuel Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115453/incapacity-benefit-and-housing-benefit-scrapped.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115453/incapacity-benefit-and-housing-benefit-scrapped.html Incapacity benefit and housing benefit will be scrapped to generate £9bn of cuts to benefits under plans agreed by the Chancellor and Iain Duncan Smith,...Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115447/spending-review-cuts-to-social-care-impossible-to-deliver.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115447/spending-review-cuts-to-social-care-impossible-to-deliver.htmlCouncils will find it impossible to deliver the cuts to adult social care expected in the coming spending review without a change in their statutory responsibilities, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (led by Richard Jones, pictured) has warned.Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115449/euro-rules-could-combat-care-cuts-says-mep.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115449/euro-rules-could-combat-care-cuts-says-mep.htmlMoves to set out a common European standard for care services could be used to fight cuts in social care provision, a leading Labour MEP has predicted.Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/29/115438/cqc-takes-action-to-close-failing-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/29/115438/cqc-takes-action-to-close-failing-care-services.htmlForty two adult care services have closed in the past year following enforcement action by the Care Quality Commission for reasons including abuse, illegal migrant staff, poor management of medication and low levels of cleanliness.Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/28/115436/adass-hits-back-after-burstows-attack-on-council-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/28/115436/adass-hits-back-after-burstows-attack-on-council-cuts.htmlMinisterial statements on public spending have thrown councils into "turmoil", leading some to start cutting adult care services in advance of next month's comprehensive spending review (CSR).Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115425/labour-leader-ed-miliband-backs-national-care-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115425/labour-leader-ed-miliband-backs-national-care-service.htmlLabour 's new leader Ed Miliband (left) backs the creation of a national care service to provide social care free at the point of need for older and disabled people. (pic credit: Rex Features)Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115408/ilf-to-shut-and-cafcass-under-review-in-bonfire-of-quangos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115408/ilf-to-shut-and-cafcass-under-review-in-bonfire-of-quangos.htmlThe Independent Living Fund will shut while the future of family courts body Cafcass is in doubt as part of a government cull of quangos, it has emerged. (Image: Dominic's on Flickr)Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115418/more-councils-likely-to-follow-suffolk-in-outsourcing-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115418/more-councils-likely-to-follow-suffolk-in-outsourcing-services.htmlCouncils are likely to outsource more and more social care services to the private and voluntary sectors as massive spending cuts biteFri, 24 Sep 2010 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115413/social-workers-to-gain-key-role-in-any-assisted-suicide-law.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115413/social-workers-to-gain-key-role-in-any-assisted-suicide-law.htmlSocial workers will be integral to the assessment of mental capacity and risk to people choosing to end their life, if Scotland passes a bill to legalise assisted suicide. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115407/council-bids-to-outsource-nearly-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115407/council-bids-to-outsource-nearly-all-services.htmlSuffolk Council is planning to outsource nearly all its services to cut costs by 30%.Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115383/carers-heading-towards-crisis-point.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115383/carers-heading-towards-crisis-point.htmlNearly half of carers (45%) are depressed about their financial position, a Princess Royal Trust for Carers (PRTC) study published today reveals. Pictured is Karen Holdsworth-Cannon and husband Mark who have faced poverty after he became ill.Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115395/paul-burstow-personal-budget-take-up-is-a-disgrace.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115395/paul-burstow-personal-budget-take-up-is-a-disgrace.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has attacked councils over levels of personal budget take-up, though a social work blogger has challenged him on his comments.Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115400/burstow-slams-councils-for-cutting-care-before-spending-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115400/burstow-slams-councils-for-cutting-care-before-spending-review.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has criticised councils for slashing social care support before knowing the results of the public sector spending review, due next month.Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115393/one-in-five-councils-illegally-charge-for-reablement-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115393/one-in-five-councils-illegally-charge-for-reablement-services.htmlMore than one in five councils in England is illegally charging service users for reablement packages of care, research by Community Care has found. (Picture credit: Rex)Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115356/adult-social-care-cuts-hitting-half-of-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115356/adult-social-care-cuts-hitting-half-of-councils.htmlAdult social care cuts are hitting one in two English councils, a survey by charity Counsel and Care revealed today.Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:28:33 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115346/good-practice-preparing-blind-children-for-their-new-residence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115346/good-practice-preparing-blind-children-for-their-new-residence.htmlA residential school has formed a close relationship with a construction firm to help its children, who are all blind and have complex needs, move in to a new building. By Jackie Cosh Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/15/115321/councils-to-deny-social-care-support-to-all-but-most-needy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/15/115321/councils-to-deny-social-care-support-to-all-but-most-needy.htmlEight in 10 councils in England will not meet adult service users' moderate care needs by next year on current trends, exclusive Community Care research reveals. (Pictured: Ann McFadden who faces losing support services, credit: UNP).Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115327/cqc-streamlines-test-of-council-adult-care-performance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115327/cqc-streamlines-test-of-council-adult-care-performance.htmlCouncils will be judged on fewer adult social care outcomes this year than previously under Care Quality Commission plans to streamline the annual assessment process.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115320/stress-for-social-workers-as-councils-raise-thresholds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115320/stress-for-social-workers-as-councils-raise-thresholds.htmlSocial workers face increasing stress as they struggle to ensure clients retain a service as councils tighten eligibility thresholds.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115319/raised-threshold-would-spell-end-of-befriending-lifeline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115319/raised-threshold-would-spell-end-of-befriending-lifeline.htmlAnn McFadden, who has multiple sclerosis, is facing having an important social outlet removed under Bolton Council's plans to raise its eligibility threshold from moderate to substantial.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115322/independent-living-fund-to-shut-in-government-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115322/independent-living-fund-to-shut-in-government-cuts.htmlThe Independent Living Fund looks set to close and have its £360m care budget for disabled people reallocated through councils, as part of government plans to slash spending.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115313/more-support-for-parents-of-disabled-children-urged.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115313/more-support-for-parents-of-disabled-children-urged.htmlEvery Disabled Child Matters is calling for next month's government spending review to allocate £8m over five years to supporting parents of disabled children.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/13/115308/2.5bn-support-cuts-threaten-disabled-job-seekers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/13/115308/2.5bn-support-cuts-threaten-disabled-job-seekers.htmlDisabled people are at risk of being pushed into poverty, claim disability charities following revelations of government plans to cut £2.5bn from employment support allowance. (Picture: Rex Features)Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115293/thousands-more-could-be-stripped-of-incapacity-benefit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115293/thousands-more-could-be-stripped-of-incapacity-benefit.htmlThousands of people could be stripped of their incapacity benefit under Treasury plans to introduce means testing. Sources within the Treasury have...Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115289/good-practice-thrive-gardening-project-in-battersea-park.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115289/good-practice-thrive-gardening-project-in-battersea-park.html A variety of social services’ clients are referred to a large-scale garden project that looks to build physical and mental strength, reports Natalie Valios Project Profile ● Project name: Thrive Battersea Garden Project ● Manager: Susan Stuart - susan.stuart@thrive.org.uk ● Location: Battersea Park, London. ● Aims and objectives: To use social and horticultural therapy to improve the health and well-being of people with disabilities or long-term conditions. ● Annual cost: £449,000 for 2010-11 ● How it is funded: A mixture of local authority, primary care trust, mental health trust and charitable trust funding. ● Timescale: While time-limited programmes are run at the park, Atheldene gardeners' attendance is open-ended. ● Number of service users: 150, of whom 90 come to the park on a regular basis, including 11 gardeners from the Atheldene day centre in Wandsworth, while 60 have regular outreach gardening sessions. ● Number of professional staff: Seven...Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115273/is-health-taking-over-social-care-again.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115273/is-health-taking-over-social-care-again.htmlHealth seems to be taking over social care again, says James Churchill, who is about to retire as chief executive of the Association for Real Change. Vern Pitt reports on his fears for the learning disability sector Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/115261/one-in-six-social-workers-have-more-than-40-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/115261/one-in-six-social-workers-have-more-than-40-cases.htmlSixteen per cent of social workers have more than 40 cases on the go, while nearly 90% say high case-loads are affecting their ability to practise good social work, a Community Care survey has revealed. (Picture: Rex Features, posed by model)Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115246/mental-capacity-and-the-battle-of-best-interests.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115246/mental-capacity-and-the-battle-of-best-interests.htmlSocial workers can come into conflict with families when deciding whether a person should be deprived of their liberty. So whose view should prevail? Vern Pitt reports Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115238/disabled-man-who-died-at-dignitas-known-to-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115238/disabled-man-who-died-at-dignitas-known-to-social-workers.htmlSocial workers and other professionals met to discuss the safeguarding of a man who seven months later took his own life at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland, it has emerged.Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115227/providers-disregarding-rights-of-supported-living-tenants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115227/providers-disregarding-rights-of-supported-living-tenants.htmlSupported housing providers are failing to respect the tenancy rights of learning disabled people, government-commissioned research has found. Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 02 Sep 2010 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115219/councils-seek-to-abolish-maximum-care-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115219/councils-seek-to-abolish-maximum-care-charges.htmlTwo councils are among the latest authorities to issue proposals to raise charges for adult care users, as a wave of belt-tightening measures sweep authorities across England.Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115175/cafe-society-serves-up-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115175/cafe-society-serves-up-jobs.htmlTwo self-financing cafés in London are raising horizons for people with learning disabilities, reports Andrew MickelWed, 01 Sep 2010 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115206/70m-extra-cost-of-hiring-agency-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115206/70m-extra-cost-of-hiring-agency-social-workers.htmlAgency social workers could be costing councils £70m a year more than if permanent staff were employed to perform the same roles, Community Care can reveal. (Pic credit: Alamy) Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/27/115177/older-and-disabled-people-face-wave-of-care-charge-rises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/27/115177/older-and-disabled-people-face-wave-of-care-charge-rises.htmlSteep rises in charges for non-residential care at three councils is sparking fears that a wave of increases could endanger access to care for older and disabled adults. Picture: Rex FeaturesFri, 27 Aug 2010 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/26/115164/disability-charities-launch-legal-challenge-over-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/26/115164/disability-charities-launch-legal-challenge-over-budget.htmlDisability charities are threatening to challenge the government's Budget in the courts on the grounds that the Treasury had not considered its impact on disabled people. (Picture: Rex Features)Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115152/minister-confident-that-vacancy-rate-will-fall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115152/minister-confident-that-vacancy-rate-will-fall.htmlAction is being taken to address high vacancy rates and other problems in social work, children's minister Tim Loughton has insisted.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115153/one-in-10-social-work-posts-vacant.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115153/one-in-10-social-work-posts-vacant.htmlOne in 10 social work posts are empty, Community Care has found. Our investigation shows that social worker vacancy rates have increased despite the millions of pounds that have been pumped into staff recruitment and reforming the profession. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115160/budget-hits-poorest-families-hardest-says-ifs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115160/budget-hits-poorest-families-hardest-says-ifs.htmlLow income families with children will be hit hardest by the coalition government’s first Budget, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has claimed.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115156/supporting-disabled-employment-saves-council-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115156/supporting-disabled-employment-saves-council-money.htmlSupporting disabled people into employment can save taxpayers more than £3,500 a year for every successful individual, a study in Kent has found.Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115157/sterilise-parents-who-abuse-children-top-professor-says.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115157/sterilise-parents-who-abuse-children-top-professor-says.htmlSocial workers should be able to recommend irreversible sterilisation for parents who abuse their children, according to a top academic.Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/23/115150/council-cleared-of-failure-to-help-frozen-couple.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/23/115150/council-cleared-of-failure-to-help-frozen-couple.htmlA serious case review has cleared Northamptonshire Council of any failures in the case of an elderly couple suspected of freezing to death in their home in January.Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/23/115139/adass-to-question-councils-slow-to-roll-out-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/23/115139/adass-to-question-councils-slow-to-roll-out-personal-budgets.htmlAdult social care chiefs are to ask some councils why they have so few service users on personal budgets.Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115130/the-future-of-employment-support-for-people-with-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115130/the-future-of-employment-support-for-people-with-disabilities.htmlEmployment support for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues is at a crossroads finds Mithran Samuel Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115116/care-funding-commission-chair-denies-government-pressure.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115116/care-funding-commission-chair-denies-government-pressure.htmlThe chair of the commission on the funding of long-term care, Andrew Dilnot, tells Jeremy Dunning that the government has not pressurised him to deliver the most politically convenient outcome Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115112/supporting-people-cuts-to-hit-more-than-400000-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115112/supporting-people-cuts-to-hit-more-than-400000-people.htmlMore than 400,000 vulnerable people could lose vital support under projected cuts to the Supporting People programme, the National Housing Federation warned.Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115103/civil-servants-form-enterprise-to-protect-learning-disabled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115103/civil-servants-form-enterprise-to-protect-learning-disabled.htmlGovernment officials at risk of redundancy are setting up a social enterprise to ensure vital work to support people with learning disabilities is not lost. (Picture from Design Pics/Rex).Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/18/115099/tuc-100-unfair-cuts-in-coalitions-first-100-days.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/18/115099/tuc-100-unfair-cuts-in-coalitions-first-100-days.htmlThe Trades Union Congress has accused the coalition of making 100 "unfair" spending cuts in its first 100 days, hitting vulnerable groups.Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115092/sex-and-personal-budgets-coverage-may-hinder-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115092/sex-and-personal-budgets-coverage-may-hinder-social-work.htmlAlarmist coverage about the use of direct payments for sex could make social workers' jobs tougher and endanger council funding for disabled people, experts warn. Picture: Rex FeaturesMon, 16 Aug 2010 14:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115085/westminster-childrens-services-to-test-big-society-approach.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115085/westminster-childrens-services-to-test-big-society-approach.htmlWesminster Council's children's services will become an arm's-length mutual organisation as one of 12 flagship projects testing the Big Society approach, the government announced today.Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115084/personal-budget-rates-double-but-big-gaps-between-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115084/personal-budget-rates-double-but-big-gaps-between-councils.htmlThe proportion of service users and carers on personal budgets in England has doubled in the past year but there are wide variations between councils, figures published today show.Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/11/115074/fears-of-learning-disability-institutionalisation-unfounded.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/11/115074/fears-of-learning-disability-institutionalisation-unfounded.htmlFears that learning disabled people leaving NHS residential accommodation are being "institutionalised by the back door" in private hospitals are unfounded, a Community Care investigation has revealed.Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115069/service-users-personal-budgets-and-amsterdam.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115069/service-users-personal-budgets-and-amsterdam.htmlDoes the spirit of personalisation extend to councils allowing people to spend direct payments on sexual services? Vern Pitt examines a debate that has divided social workers Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115064/joint-working-between-health-and-social-care-in-herefordshire.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115064/joint-working-between-health-and-social-care-in-herefordshire.htmlCouncils would be wise to look west when they draw up their plans to integrate health and social care services. As Jeremy Dunning reports, Herefordshire is already ahead of the game Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115067/children-harmed-by-long-delays-in-family-courts-charity-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115067/children-harmed-by-long-delays-in-family-courts-charity-finds.htmlFamily courts are now taking up to 65 weeks to rule if it is safe for children to stay with their parents, according to research by Barnardo's.Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115068/thousands-die-alone-without-support-council-report-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115068/thousands-die-alone-without-support-council-report-finds.htmlThousands of people are dying alone without friends or family support, a report by the Local Government Association has found.Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115061/better-access-to-advocates-urged-for-adult-placement-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115061/better-access-to-advocates-urged-for-adult-placement-users.htmlGreater access to independent advocates for adult placement users has been urged to prevent "deplorable" decisions such as the one in which Manchester Council removed a teenager from his family. Picture: Rex FeaturesFri, 06 Aug 2010 13:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115050/ministers-discussed-400m-cash-shift-from-nhs-to-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115050/ministers-discussed-400m-cash-shift-from-nhs-to-social-care.htmlFollowing a call from Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones (left) for NHS funding to be shunted into adult social care a report today suggests ministers have considered shifting £400m to protect adult social care from harmful cuts.Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115047/four-in-10-councils-miss-personalisation-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115047/four-in-10-councils-miss-personalisation-target.htmlFour in ten councils have missed a key target for the roll-out of personalisation, a survey has revealed.Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115039/social-services-had-tried-to-help-mum-and-daughter-found-dead.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115039/social-services-had-tried-to-help-mum-and-daughter-found-dead.htmlA mother and her disabled daughter found dead in their house at the weekend had refused help from social services, it has emerged.Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115029/social-worker-banned-for-stealing-19k-from-disabled-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115029/social-worker-banned-for-stealing-19k-from-disabled-client.htmlA social worker who stole £19,000 from a severely disabled elderly service user has been struck off the social care register.Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115034/social-workers-imposed-direct-payments-on-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115034/social-workers-imposed-direct-payments-on-users.htmlSocial workers have foisted direct payments on to adult social care users, a study in Essex has found.Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115028/community-care-launches-daily-email-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115028/community-care-launches-daily-email-service.htmlCommunity Care has launched a free daily email service to help readers stay up to date with the latest news in social care. Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115010/scottish-government-urged-to-protect-social-care-from-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115010/scottish-government-urged-to-protect-social-care-from-cuts.htmlThe Scottish government has been urged to ensure social care does not suffer from its pledge to protect NHS spending from cuts over the next four years.Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115001/dh-shunts-50m-from-social-care-to-fund-cancer-drugs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115001/dh-shunts-50m-from-social-care-to-fund-cancer-drugs.htmlThe government has shunted £50m earmarked by Labour to finance personal care at home to increase access to cancer drugs.Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114992/disabled-back-to-work-scheme-work-choice-will-go-ahead.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114992/disabled-back-to-work-scheme-work-choice-will-go-ahead.htmlThe government confirmed today it would go ahead with Work Choice, the specialist employment scheme for disabled people, ending months of speculation.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114994/conservative-think-tank-urges-nhs-takeover-of-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114994/conservative-think-tank-urges-nhs-takeover-of-care-funding.htmlCouncils should lose responsibility to the NHS for long-term care funding to reduce costs, a think-tank close to the prime minister said today.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114983/gscc-to-be-scrapped.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114983/gscc-to-be-scrapped.htmlThe General Social Care Council is to be scrapped as part of a government review of quangos. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114989/role-of-the-health-professions-council-and-changes-to-quangos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114989/role-of-the-health-professions-council-and-changes-to-quangos.htmlThe Health Professions Council regulates 15 health workforces and was set up in 2001.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114990/what-gscc-abolition-could-mean-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114990/what-gscc-abolition-could-mean-for-social-workers.htmlThe abolition of the General Social Care Council will have far-reaching implications for social care and social workers, including the cost of registration, regulation of professionals and training.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114988/adass-reorganises-to-meet-adult-care-policy-challenges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114988/adass-reorganises-to-meet-adult-care-policy-challenges.html The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has reorganised itself to respond to the current policy and economic challenges facing adult social...Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114980/coalition-to-decide-whether-ilf-has-a-future-this-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114980/coalition-to-decide-whether-ilf-has-a-future-this-year.htmlThe government will decide whether the Independent Living Fund has a future later this year after disability minister Maria Miller lambasted the Labour administration's handling of the UK-wide care funding agencyMon, 26 Jul 2010 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114965/minister-ilf-snubbed-disabled-people-before-eligibility-changes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114965/minister-ilf-snubbed-disabled-people-before-eligibility-changes.htmlDisabled people were not consulted by the Independent Living Fund before it tightened its eligibility criteria in March, Maria Miller (pictured), minister for disabled people, has revealed. Picture: John BehetsMon, 26 Jul 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114960/care-funding-commission-must-not-forget-disabled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114960/care-funding-commission-must-not-forget-disabled.htmlThe commission set up this week to reform care funding must give equal weight to the needs of adults with lifelong conditions as older people, one of its...Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114969/still-nothing-to-fear.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114969/still-nothing-to-fear.htmlDisability minister Maria Miller tells Vern Pitt disabled people are a coalition priority despite astring of benefit cuts Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114955/government-rules-out-death-tax-to-fund-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114955/government-rules-out-death-tax-to-fund-care.htmlThe government has ruled out a compulsory "death tax" to fund long-term care, despite saying the newly formed care funding commission can examine all options.Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114958/one-third-of-dla-claimants-fear-worst-from-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114958/one-third-of-dla-claimants-fear-worst-from-cuts.htmlOne in three disability living allowance (DLA) claimants think it unlikely that they will be able to work if their benefits are cut under government plans, a poll has found.Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/20/114946/lansley-urges-quick-action-from-care-funding-commission.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/20/114946/lansley-urges-quick-action-from-care-funding-commission.htmlThe commission established today to reform care funding will have to act quickly in setting out how its direction of travel, health secretary Andrew Lansley has made clear.Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/20/114943/who-are-the-members-of-the-care-funding-commission.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/20/114943/who-are-the-members-of-the-care-funding-commission.htmlThe members of the government's Commission on the Funding of Care and Support, announced today, bring a diverse range of experience to the task of sorting out the future funding of adult social care in England.Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/20/114945/families-happy-with-aiming-high-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/20/114945/families-happy-with-aiming-high-breaks.htmlMore families are happy with short breaks provided under the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme, according to a report launched by Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) today.Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114930/national-college-co-chairs-pledge-to-engage-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114930/national-college-co-chairs-pledge-to-engage-social-workers.htmlEngaging social workers will be a major short-term challenge for the College of Social Work, according to its newly-appointed joint interim chairs Maurice Bates and Corinne May-Chahal (pictured)Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114929/health-white-paper-poses-questions-for-social-care-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114929/health-white-paper-poses-questions-for-social-care-sector.htmlAlthough there are positives for social workers in the health White Paper, there remain many questions about power and accountability, says Richard Humphries of the King's Fund Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114922/testing-a-councils-use-of-a-resource-allocation-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114922/testing-a-councils-use-of-a-resource-allocation-system.htmlEd Mitchell finds councils should retain descretion if using a resource allocation system to quantify a service user's care budget Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114919/white-paper-gps-will-need-to-buy-in-specialist-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114919/white-paper-gps-will-need-to-buy-in-specialist-support.htmlGPs will need to buy in expertise to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, NHS leaders admitted after plans to give family doctors responsibility for health commissioning sparked concerns from social care charities.Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114917/councils-and-gps-urged-to-start-white-paper-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114917/councils-and-gps-urged-to-start-white-paper-talks.htmlLocal government leaders, including Richard Jones, president of the ADASS (left), have told councils to begin urgent talks with GPs over the integration of health and social care locally.Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/14/114900/survey-reveals-prejudice-against-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/14/114900/survey-reveals-prejudice-against-learning-disabilities.htmlPeople with learning disabilities still face widespread prejudice and ignorance among the general population, a Turning Point survey reveals today.Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114898/charities-say-gps-lack-expertise-to-commission-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114898/charities-say-gps-lack-expertise-to-commission-all-services.htmlGPs lack the expertise to commission care services, when it comes to some conditions, and their proposed new powers could lead to postcode lotteries, campaigners warn.Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114899/burstow-pcts-scrapped-to-aid-health-and-social-care-links.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114899/burstow-pcts-scrapped-to-aid-health-and-social-care-links.htmlPrimary care trusts were no longer "fit for purpose" and had to go as the price to deliver integrated health and social care, according to care services minister Paul Burstow.Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114897/valuing-people-now-under-threat.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114897/valuing-people-now-under-threat.htmlStaff delivering the key government programme to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities have been told their jobs could be axed, Community Care has learned.Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114896/councils-to-be-granted-powers-over-public-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114896/councils-to-be-granted-powers-over-public-health.htmlLocal authorities will be given statutory responsibility for bringing health and social care together under radical NHS reforms announced by health secretary Andrew Lansley today. (Picture credit Rex)Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114880/poverty-debt-and-hunger-dog-families-of-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114880/poverty-debt-and-hunger-dog-families-of-disabled-children.html camilla.pemberton@rbi.co.uk Almost a quarter of families with disabled children are going without heating while 14% are going without food according...Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/08/114865/cqc-slammed-by-own-staff-as-survey-exposes-low-morale.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/08/114865/cqc-slammed-by-own-staff-as-survey-exposes-low-morale.htmlThe Care Quality Commission's management has been slammed by its own staff in an internal survey that found morale at the regulator was low. The CQC's chief executive, Cynthia Bower (pictured), has agreed to address concerns. Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114839/what-makes-a-good-break-for-carers-of-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114839/what-makes-a-good-break-for-carers-of-disabled-children.htmlNew research guides councils in the use of short breaks for disabled children and their carers. Julie Griffiths reportsTue, 06 Jul 2010 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114821/paul-maynard-mp-life-with-cerebral-palsy-and-epilepsy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114821/paul-maynard-mp-life-with-cerebral-palsy-and-epilepsy.htmlConservative MP Paul Maynard talks to Jeremy Dunning about how he will influence policy on disability in parliament Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114844/social-services-in-wales-fear-job-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114844/social-services-in-wales-fear-job-losses.html Directors of social services in Wales are refusing to rule out job losses as they attempt to tackle the funding crisis hitting their departments. Back-office...Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:54:05 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114832/support-scheme-did-not-reach-enough-carers-burstow-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114832/support-scheme-did-not-reach-enough-carers-burstow-claims.htmlGovernment cash for a leading carers' support scheme was halted because the programme was not reaching enough carers, it has emerged. Care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) told MPs: "We were not getting value for money from the delivery." Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/01/114824/care-charges-set-to-soar-for-users-in-warwickshire.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/01/114824/care-charges-set-to-soar-for-users-in-warwickshire.htmlAdult care user charges at Warwickshire Council look set to rocket, sparking concerns that other authorities could follow suit.Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/01/114823/government-scraps-leading-carer-support-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/01/114823/government-scraps-leading-carer-support-scheme.htmlThe government has today scrapped a multimillion pound support package for carers, Community Care has learned. It has pulled the plug on the Caring with Confidence programme (pictured, credit Michael Donald), worth £4.4m a year. Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/30/114820/full-time-family-carer-roles-double-in-a-decade.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/30/114820/full-time-family-carer-roles-double-in-a-decade.htmlThe proportion of people caring full-time for a loved-one has doubled in the past decade to one fifth of all carers, figures published today have shown.Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/30/114812/personalisation-may-force-day-centre-closures-in-liverpool.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/30/114812/personalisation-may-force-day-centre-closures-in-liverpool.htmlCash-strapped Liverpool Council is set to shed 164 jobs and close nine day centres as part of major changes to adult care, driven by personalisation.Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/29/114813/welfare-to-work-fears-heighten-at-disability-groups.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/29/114813/welfare-to-work-fears-heighten-at-disability-groups.htmlConcerns that disabled people will be failed by the government's welfare-to-work plans have been heightened after a key policy statement failed to clarify the future of a specialist employment support scheme for the group.Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114796/doubts-over-success-of-family-intervention-projects.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114796/doubts-over-success-of-family-intervention-projects.htmlFamily intervention projects (FIPs), hailed as one of Labour's strongest weapons against antisocial behaviour, are less successful than previously thought, according to a new report.Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114800/bereavement-service-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114800/bereavement-service-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlA specialist bereavement service in Hertfordshire helps people with learning disabilities deal with loss and trains social care staff on how best to support clients. Vern Pitt reports Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114794/concerns-raised-over-wrongful-detentions-of-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114794/concerns-raised-over-wrongful-detentions-of-service-users.htmlA mental health charity has raised concerns that people who lack mental capacity are being detained in care settings inappropriately. Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114785/mps-to-probe-long-term-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114785/mps-to-probe-long-term-care-funding.htmlThe House of Commons' health select committee is to examine the funding of long-term care to help shape the government's plan to overhaul the system.Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114783/dla-cuts-set-to-hit-learning-disabled-and-mentally-ill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114783/dla-cuts-set-to-hit-learning-disabled-and-mentally-ill.htmlPeople with learning disabilities, mental health problems, autism and fluctuating health conditions could be at increased risk of hardship under coalition plans to restrict access to disability living allowance, experts have warned.Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114780/social-care-budgets-could-be-slashed-by-a-third-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114780/social-care-budgets-could-be-slashed-by-a-third-say-experts.htmlSocial care budgets could be slashed by one-third over the next four years after yesterday's emergency Budget, public spending experts have warned.Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114779/every-vote-counts-a-success-at-may-2010-general-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114779/every-vote-counts-a-success-at-may-2010-general-election.htmlWith dedicated support from charities, many more people with learning disabilities voted in the May general election. Natalie Valios reports Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114784/housing-benefit-cuts-risk-increases-to-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114784/housing-benefit-cuts-risk-increases-to-homelessness.htmlPlans to cut housing benefit in yesterday's Budget risk increasing homelessness and demand for social services, experts have warned.Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114775/unison-osborne-declaring-war-with-pay-freeze.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114775/unison-osborne-declaring-war-with-pay-freeze.htmlA two-year public sector pay freeze from 2011 proposed by chancellor George Osborne in today's emergency Budget speech is a "declaration of war", according to trade union Unison.Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114774/lowest-paid-public-sector-works-spared-pay-cut-in-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114774/lowest-paid-public-sector-works-spared-pay-cut-in-budget.htmlThe lowest earning public sector workers will be spared a pay freeze, under plans announced by chancellor George Osborne in today's Budget.Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/117033/good-practice-in-residential-care-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/117033/good-practice-in-residential-care-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlWith proper recruitment and training standards, institutional settings for people with disabilities can be beacons of good practice. By Mithran SamuelTue, 22 Jun 2010 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114767/people-with-sight-loss-denied-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114767/people-with-sight-loss-denied-assessments.html Many people in need of services to cope with sight loss are denied access to an assessment because registration criteria for visual impairment are overly...Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114750/nhs-lets-down-those-with-learning-difficulties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114750/nhs-lets-down-those-with-learning-difficulties.htmlA new Mencap survey confirms that people with learning disabilities receive poorer health care than others. But specialist posts are making a difference, reports Mithran Samuel Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114758/essexs-social-care-health-and-housing-in-cash-saving-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114758/essexs-social-care-health-and-housing-in-cash-saving-plan.htmlFive councils and two primary care trusts in South Essex are to look at how to save money by combining their commissioning powers across social care, health and housing.Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114751/mencap-learning-disabled-still-discriminated-against-by-nhs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114751/mencap-learning-disabled-still-discriminated-against-by-nhs.htmlPeople with learning disabilities are still facing discriminatory healthcare while medical professionals lack training in meeting their needs, despite a string of inquiries into the issue in recent years.Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114752/scope-two-thirds-of-polling-stations-unfit-for-disabled-voter.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114752/scope-two-thirds-of-polling-stations-unfit-for-disabled-voter.html Disabled people are being denied the right to vote because of poor accessibility to polling stations, Scope has revealed. The charity found that 67%...Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/18/114743/coalition-expected-to-keep-disabled-back-to-work-programme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/18/114743/coalition-expected-to-keep-disabled-back-to-work-programme.html The government looks set to maintain a separate employment support scheme for disabled people, amid concerns they would be ill-served by the coalition's...Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/18/114738/ilf-closes-door-on-new-applicants-for-care-payments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/18/114738/ilf-closes-door-on-new-applicants-for-care-payments.htmlThe Independent Living Fund has barred disabled people from applying for its care payments for the rest of 2010-11 to stave off a funding crisis.Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114731/burnham-nhs-funding-boost-will-mean-social-care-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114731/burnham-nhs-funding-boost-will-mean-social-care-cuts.htmlFormer health secretary Andy Burnham has urged the coalition to drop its pledge to increase NHS spending in real terms during this parliament to avoid substantial cuts to social care.Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114725/councils-already-cutting-social-care-to-hit-savings-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114725/councils-already-cutting-social-care-to-hit-savings-target.htmlCouncils are already planning to cut social care services to meet a government savings target of £1.1bn this year.Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114723/disabled-client-refuses-to-end-holiday.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114723/disabled-client-refuses-to-end-holiday.htmlNone of us relish returning home from an enjoyable holiday, writes Mark Drinkwater, recalling how one disabled client decided not to Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114719/social-workers-judge-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114719/social-workers-judge-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlParents with learning disabilities feel the most harshly judged by social workers according to a report from the children's commissioner published today.Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114692/equality-commission-launches-disability-harassment-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114692/equality-commission-launches-disability-harassment-probe.htmlCouncils' record in tackling the harassment of disabled people will come under scrutiny in a major inquiry launched by the Equality and Human Rights Commission today.Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114700/liverpool-council-faces-11m-deficit-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114700/liverpool-council-faces-11m-deficit-in-social-care.html Liverpool Council is facing an £11m overspend in social care in 2010-11 unless cuts to in-house services are made. Today, the council revealed there...Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114695/blackburn-puts-plan-to-hive-off-care-services-on-hold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114695/blackburn-puts-plan-to-hive-off-care-services-on-hold.html Blackburn Council has put on hold controversial plans to outsource its in-house care services, pending a consultation that will consider other options. Councillors...Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114690/gangmasters-body-bids-to-combat-exploitation-of-care-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114690/gangmasters-body-bids-to-combat-exploitation-of-care-workers.htmlA regulator has called for powers to clamp down on the growing exploitation of migrant labourers in the care sector.Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114687/councils-may-get-health-commissioning-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114687/councils-may-get-health-commissioning-role.htmlCouncils may get a bigger role in health commissioning, under government plans to radically scale back the role of primary care trusts.Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114675/hospital-trust-fined-50000-over-death-of-disabled-man.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114675/hospital-trust-fined-50000-over-death-of-disabled-man.htmlAn Essex NHS trust has been fined £50,000 following the death of a severely disabled young man in its care.Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114674/chancellor-vows-vulnerable-will-be-protected-from-huge-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114674/chancellor-vows-vulnerable-will-be-protected-from-huge-cuts.htmlChancellor George Osborne has promised to limit spending cuts on the most vulnerable and on areas heavily dependent on the public sector as he outlined his framework for future spending decisions today.Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114669/adult-social-care-grants-safe-from-axe-burstow-confirms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114669/adult-social-care-grants-safe-from-axe-burstow-confirms.htmlNo Department of Health grants for adult social care are going to be cut this year, care services minister Paul Burstow has revealed.Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114653/experienced-social-work-staff-to-be-replaced-by-call-centres.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114653/experienced-social-work-staff-to-be-replaced-by-call-centres.htmlHundreds of experienced social work staff are to be replaced by a call centre at Glasgow Council as part of a plan to save £180m over the next three years. (Pic credit: Rex)Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114641/ministers-to-be-lobbied-on-personalisation-development.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114641/ministers-to-be-lobbied-on-personalisation-development.htmlAdult social care leaders in England are to lobby ministers on the next phase of the personalisation agenda.Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114638/q-and-a-what-does-the-national-college-mean-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114638/q-and-a-what-does-the-national-college-mean-for-social-workers.htmlQ and A: What does the national college mean for social workers? Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114634/loughton-takes-responsibility-for-social-work-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114634/loughton-takes-responsibility-for-social-work-reform.htmlTim Loughton, children's minister, will take on responsibility for the majority of the social care remit, the Department for Education has confirmed.Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114637/gove-promises-support-for-taskforce-recommendations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114637/gove-promises-support-for-taskforce-recommendations.htmlThe government will support the recommendations of the Social Work Task Force, education secretary Michael Gove has said. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114636/disabilities-worker-jailed-for-stealing-19000-from-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114636/disabilities-worker-jailed-for-stealing-19000-from-client.htmlA social worker who stole £19,000 from a vulnerable service user after she had a stroke has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114632/carers-ministers-urged-to-deliver-on-election-promises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114632/carers-ministers-urged-to-deliver-on-election-promises.htmlMinisters are "in danger of looking as if they made empty promises" if they do not make a statement soon on their policies for carers, say campaigners.Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/02/114633/brighton-to-appoint-combined-adults-and-childrens-director.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/02/114633/brighton-to-appoint-combined-adults-and-childrens-director.htmlBrighton and Hove Council will become the latest authority to combine responsibility for vulnerable adults and children in a single post as part of a wholesale restructure designed to save £45m over the next three years.Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114631/scots-aim-to-transform-dementia-care-but-with-no-new-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114631/scots-aim-to-transform-dementia-care-but-with-no-new-money.htmlThe Scottish government issued plans to transform dementia care today in the country's first strategy for the condition - but it has not pledged any new money to meet its ambitions.Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114622/behan-and-gilbert-among-whitehalls-top-earners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114622/behan-and-gilbert-among-whitehalls-top-earners.htmlAdult care mandarin David Behan (pictured) and Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert are among Whitehall's top earners, a list of the highest-paid civil servants published by the government today reveals.Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114618/coalition-plans-could-test-health-and-social-care-links.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114618/coalition-plans-could-test-health-and-social-care-links.htmlMoves to integrate health and social care in England may be put to the test under coalition government plans for primary care trusts and GPs, it has emerged.Fri, 28 May 2010 17:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114606/rhys-bradley-the-best-and-worst-decisions-ive-made.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114606/rhys-bradley-the-best-and-worst-decisions-ive-made.htmlRhys Bradley found that his highs and lows came in the same case Fri, 28 May 2010 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114604/regional-disparities-found-in-progress-on-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114604/regional-disparities-found-in-progress-on-personalisation.htmlThere are wide regional variations in English councils' progress towards meeting a series of personalisation targets, a survey has found.Thu, 27 May 2010 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114598/councils-set-to-miss-personal-budgets-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114598/councils-set-to-miss-personal-budgets-target.htmlCouncils are on course to miss a target of moving 30% of adult social care recipients on to personal budgets by April 2011, according to a survey. Thu, 27 May 2010 14:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114601/incapacity-benefit-claimants-to-face-flawed-work-assessment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114601/incapacity-benefit-claimants-to-face-flawed-work-assessment.htmlExisting incapacity benefit claimants look set to be assessed on their fitness to work using a test widely criticised as flawed, it has emerged.Thu, 27 May 2010 13:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114597/personalisation-grant-saved-from-cuts-ministers-confirm.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114597/personalisation-grant-saved-from-cuts-ministers-confirm.htmlThe government has confirmed that local authority funding to support the personalisation agenda will not be cut this year.Thu, 27 May 2010 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114587/queens-speech-benefits-claimants-who-refuse-work-targeted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114587/queens-speech-benefits-claimants-who-refuse-work-targeted.htmlPlans for legislation to penalise benefits claimants who refuse jobs were included in the Queen's Speech today.Tue, 25 May 2010 16:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114584/dawson-why-basw-stood-firm-over-national-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114584/dawson-why-basw-stood-firm-over-national-college.htmlHilton Dawson, chief executive of the British Association of Social Workers, tells Community Care about the association's stance over the national college of social work. He reveals the college's creation could leave members facing a decision over BASW's future.Tue, 25 May 2010 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114582/personalisation-grant-stays-ring-fenced-but-cuts-fear-remains.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114582/personalisation-grant-stays-ring-fenced-but-cuts-fear-remains.htmlLocal authority funding to support the personalisation agenda will remain ring-fenced this year but doubts remain over whether the £237m grant will be cut.Tue, 25 May 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114579/mental-health-foundation-loneliness-must-be-tackled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114579/mental-health-foundation-loneliness-must-be-tackled.htmlAction is needed to raise awareness of loneliness and tackle the impact that it can have on people's health and well-being, a Mental Health Foundation report published today has said.Mon, 24 May 2010 19:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114575/personalisation-grant-could-be-cut-warns-think-tank.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114575/personalisation-grant-could-be-cut-warns-think-tank.htmlA £230m grant to help councils implement personalisation could be at risk from the cuts announced by the Treasury today, a think-tank has warned.Mon, 24 May 2010 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114574/cwdc-budget-slashed-by-15m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114574/cwdc-budget-slashed-by-15m.htmlThe Children’s Workforce Development Council’s budget will be slashed by £15m over the next financial year. Mon, 24 May 2010 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114560/glasgow-care-partnerships-scrapped-over-nhs-council-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114560/glasgow-care-partnerships-scrapped-over-nhs-council-row.html Five multi-million pound health and social care partnerships in Glasgow collapsed this week following a dispute between the council and the local NHS board...Fri, 21 May 2010 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114557/anger-over-cqc-decision-to-end-star-ratings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114557/anger-over-cqc-decision-to-end-star-ratings.htmlCare sector chiefs have reacted angrily to the Care Quality Commission's decision to scrap star ratings in October before deciding on a new system for assessing the quality of providers.Fri, 21 May 2010 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114554/why-long-term-adult-care-funding-must-be-reformed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114554/why-long-term-adult-care-funding-must-be-reformed.htmlAs the Lib-Con coalition announces the launch of a commission on long-term adult care funding, Vern Pitt reminds the government of the gaps and a social worker, a service user and a care home manager express their concerns Fri, 21 May 2010 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114546/coalition-deal-victory-for-community-care-dementia-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114546/coalition-deal-victory-for-community-care-dementia-campaign.htmlCommunity Care's Dementia Declaration campaign has claimed a victory after the government made prioritising dementia research funding one of its pledges in its full coalition agreement, published today.Thu, 20 May 2010 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114503/research-realities-self-directed-care-personalisation-and-people-with-profound-and-multiple-disabilites.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114503/research-realities-self-directed-care-personalisation-and-people-with-profound-and-multiple-disabilites.htmlThere are 16,000 adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in England. Melanie Henwood finds there is still a long way to go before their needs are fully met, although self-directed support points the way forward Wed, 19 May 2010 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114540/council-cuts-could-hurt-carers-services-cc-live-hears.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114540/council-cuts-could-hurt-carers-services-cc-live-hears.htmlExperts fear that budget cuts could lead to tougher times for carers as councils seek to claw back savings, Community Care LIVE heard today.Wed, 19 May 2010 16:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114517/the-impact-of-personalisation-on-adults-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114517/the-impact-of-personalisation-on-adults-social-workers.htmlPersonalisation is changing the face of social care, but research by Community Care and trade union Unison suggests bureaucracy and job changes mean it is yet to win the hearts and minds of social workers. Mithran Samuel reportsWed, 19 May 2010 01:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114519/personalisation-and-the-social-care-knowledge-gap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114519/personalisation-and-the-social-care-knowledge-gap.htmlMore social workers understand the workings of personalisation than in 2008 but a big minority are still in the dark, writes Daniel LombardWed, 19 May 2010 00:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114511/personalisation-cuts-threaten-transformation-agenda.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114511/personalisation-cuts-threaten-transformation-agenda.htmlWhile social workers fear personalisation may be at risk from impending government cuts, our survey finds the agenda is already facing pressures. Jeremy Dunning reports Wed, 19 May 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114513/personalisation-children-can-benefit-too.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114513/personalisation-children-can-benefit-too.htmlIndividual budgets can be used to benefit disabled children, but only where the circumstances lend themselves to personalised services, writes Molly Garboden Wed, 19 May 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114491/social-care-whos-who-in-the-new-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114491/social-care-whos-who-in-the-new-government.htmlSocial care: who's who in the new coalition governmentMon, 17 May 2010 17:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114507/paul-burstow-appointed-care-services-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114507/paul-burstow-appointed-care-services-minister.htmlLiberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow has been appointed as the minister for care services, Community Care can reveal.Fri, 14 May 2010 16:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/13/114492/experts-urge-care-funding-action-from-coalition-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/13/114492/experts-urge-care-funding-action-from-coalition-government.htmlExperts are pressing new health secretary Andrew Lansley to commit to immediate talks with other parties on reforming adult care funding to ensure momentum is not lost.Thu, 13 May 2010 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/13/114494/most-providers-meet-cqc-registration-deadline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/13/114494/most-providers-meet-cqc-registration-deadline.htmlOver 90% of care service providers met the deadline for registering with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its first round of registrations, it has revealed.Thu, 13 May 2010 07:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114493/social-workers-to-get-more-dementia-training-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114493/social-workers-to-get-more-dementia-training-in-wales.htmlSocial workers in Wales will get more training in organising care and assessing risk for dementia patients as part of the country's long-awaited plan to improve dementia care.Wed, 12 May 2010 21:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114490/welfare-coalition-to-pursue-controversial-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114490/welfare-coalition-to-pursue-controversial-plans.htmlThe government will pursue controversial Tory plans to introduce a single welfare-to-work programme and move more people from incapacity benefit to jobseeker's allowance, the written coalition agreement reveals.Wed, 12 May 2010 15:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114472/tories-andrew-lansley-to-take-charge-of-adult-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114472/tories-andrew-lansley-to-take-charge-of-adult-social-care.htmlThe Conservatives' Andrew Lansley will become health secretary, with responsibility for adult social care, while the new coalition government will also take forward plans to make £6bn in cuts that could cut thousands of public sector jobs this year, the BBC has reported. Wed, 12 May 2010 15:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114478/social-care-absent-from-tory-lib-dem-coalition-document.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114478/social-care-absent-from-tory-lib-dem-coalition-document.htmlThe social care agenda is absent from the Conservative-Liberal Democrats coaltion document. Wed, 12 May 2010 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114473/profile-of-andrew-lansley-the-new-health-secretary.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114473/profile-of-andrew-lansley-the-new-health-secretary.htmlThe son of a pathologist who worked for the NHS since its inception and a former civil servant, Andrew Lansley is often credited with bringing his party round to supporting the health service.Wed, 12 May 2010 10:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114460/tory-led-government-would-produce-new-care-white-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114460/tory-led-government-would-produce-new-care-white-paper.htmlA Conservative-led government would produce a new White Paper on adult care funding reform should it take power, as expected, this week, a sector leader has said.Mon, 10 May 2010 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114437/disability-champion-looks-back-on-pioneering-1970-law.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114437/disability-champion-looks-back-on-pioneering-1970-law.htmlForty years on from the first disability rights legislation, its architect, Alf Morris, tells Vern Pitt how he overcame government opposition to reform Mon, 10 May 2010 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114451/pioneering-1970-disability-law-never-fulfilled-its-promise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114451/pioneering-1970-disability-law-never-fulfilled-its-promise.htmlThe enactment of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 was a historic event. For the first time, parliament, and by extension wider society, recognised the concept of rights for disabled people. However, the rights under the 1970 act never quite lived up to their billing. Mon, 10 May 2010 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114448/disability-rights-40-years-on-sector-leaders-give-their-view.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114448/disability-rights-40-years-on-sector-leaders-give-their-view.htmlLeading disabled people give their views on the legacy of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, the first disability rights law in this country.Mon, 10 May 2010 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114454/progress-of-disability-rights-1970-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114454/progress-of-disability-rights-1970-2010.htmlHow the rights of disabled people have progressed since the pioneering Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 was passed.Mon, 10 May 2010 12:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/07/114432/hung-parliament-means-uncertainty-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/07/114432/hung-parliament-means-uncertainty-for-social-care.htmlCare services minister Phil Hope has lost his seat in the election and children's secretary Ed Balls secured a narrow victory as a hung parliament creates uncertainty for social care. Fri, 07 May 2010 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114414/labour-wins-back-social-worker-vote-finds-pre-election-poll.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114414/labour-wins-back-social-worker-vote-finds-pre-election-poll.htmlSocial care professionals look set to return Labour in this week's election with almost half pledging to back the governing party in an online poll by Community Care.Tue, 04 May 2010 15:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114415/disabled-voters-unimpressed-with-politicians-over-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114415/disabled-voters-unimpressed-with-politicians-over-social-care.htmlDisabled voters are unimpressed with the way all political parties have addressed their concerns over social care and other issues. Tue, 04 May 2010 13:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114410/the-advantages-of-specialist-autism-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114410/the-advantages-of-specialist-autism-teams.htmlThe autism strategy suggests councils need only consider developing specialist teams. But some argue the evidence is there to roll them out nationally, writes Jeremy Dunning Tue, 04 May 2010 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114397/election-immigration-plans-spell-trouble-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114397/election-immigration-plans-spell-trouble-for-social-care.htmlPlans from all three parties to tighten immigration controls could restrict recruitment to adult social care and damage the quality of services, according to sector heads. (Picture: Alamy)Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114407/adass-and-lga-warn-of-extra-council-costs-from-ilf-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114407/adass-and-lga-warn-of-extra-council-costs-from-ilf-cut.html Council leaders have warned that local authorities face extra costs from the Independent Living Fund's decision to restrict its care payments in future to...Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:53:50 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114392/bureaucracy-restricts-dementia-direct-payment-take-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114392/bureaucracy-restricts-dementia-direct-payment-take-up.htmlDirect payment take-up among dementia patients in Scotland remains low because of bureaucracy, high eligibility thresholds and a lack of promotion by councils, Alzheimer Scotland said today.Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/28/114391/basw-members-vote-in-favour-of-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/28/114391/basw-members-vote-in-favour-of-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlNearly 90% of British Association of Social Workers’ members have voted in favour of an independent, UK-wide college of social work.Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114379/care-home-manager-struck-off-for-cruelty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114379/care-home-manager-struck-off-for-cruelty.html A care home manager who displayed "an element of cruelty" in abusing a service user with learning disabilities has been struck off. Angela Turner,...Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114377/blackadder-star-tony-robinson-backs-dementia-declaration.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114377/blackadder-star-tony-robinson-backs-dementia-declaration.htmlActor Tony Robinson has become the latest celebrity figure to back Community Care's Dementia Declaration campaign.Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114348/kings-fund-care-reform-could-be-kicked-into-long-grass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114348/kings-fund-care-reform-could-be-kicked-into-long-grass.htmlThe King's Fund has warned that reform of long-term care funding may be "kicked into the political long grass" after the election because of the lack of consensus between the major parties.Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114339/tributes-paid-to-disability-campaigner-david-morris.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114339/tributes-paid-to-disability-campaigner-david-morris.htmlTributes have been paid to disability campaigner and London mayoral advisor David Morris, who has died aged 51.Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114338/gordon-brown-backs-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114338/gordon-brown-backs-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmlPrime minister Gordon Brown has given his personal endorsement to Community Care's campaign to make dementia a political priority.Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114337/move-to-community-services-held-up-by-risk-averse-culture.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114337/move-to-community-services-held-up-by-risk-averse-culture.htmlEfforts to shift health and social care out of institutions and into the community are being hampered by risk-averse commissioning and a lack of government policy direction.Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114316/new-adass-president-says-services-must-change-as-cuts-bite.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114316/new-adass-president-says-services-must-change-as-cuts-bite.htmlRichard Jones, who becomes Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president today, tells Jeremy Dunning that the next 12 months will be a time of delivering care differently as cuts start to bite Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/20/114329/community-care-dementia-campaign-gets-all-party-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/20/114329/community-care-dementia-campaign-gets-all-party-support.htmlCommunity Care's Dementia Declaration has won the support of all three major parties, after the Tories gave the campaign their endorsement this week.Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/19/114319/research-will-limit-rising-costs-of-dementia-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/19/114319/research-will-limit-rising-costs-of-dementia-say-experts.htmlDementia care may cost England less in future than had been previously thought on the back of improved treatment and scientific developments, according to experts.Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114310/cqc-admits-administrative-errors-in-registration-process.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114310/cqc-admits-administrative-errors-in-registration-process.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has admitted administrative mistakes have been made in its communications with care providers about registering with the regulator.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114302/brown-cameron-and-clegg-set-out-stall-on-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114302/brown-cameron-and-clegg-set-out-stall-on-social-care.html Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg all backed the need to support carers and forge consensus on social care funding reform in yesterday's first televised debate between the three party leaders. (Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex Features)Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114326/manifesto-confirms-key-pledges-on-care-and-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114326/manifesto-confirms-key-pledges-on-care-and-jobs.htmlA re-elected Labour government would establish a national college for social work and develop a national care service, while constraining public sector pay.Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114285/lib-dem-manifesto-backs-dementia-research-funding-boost.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114285/lib-dem-manifesto-backs-dementia-research-funding-boost.htmlThe Liberal Democrats have pledged to make dementia the priority area for medical research in their general election manifesto, launched by leader Nick Clegg today.Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114284/charity-urges-quality-of-life-boost-for-dementia-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114284/charity-urges-quality-of-life-boost-for-dementia-patients.htmlDementia services need to develop ways to monitor sufferers' quality of life, the Alzheimer's Society has demanded in a report published today.Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114290/labour-backs-community-cares-dementia-declaration.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114290/labour-backs-community-cares-dementia-declaration.htmlCare services minister Phil Hope has endorsed Community Care's Dementia Declaration campaign on behalf of the Labour Party.Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114280/leonard-cheshire-more-help-to-confront-discrimination-needed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114280/leonard-cheshire-more-help-to-confront-discrimination-needed.htmlTribunals should be set up to rule on cases where disabled people face discrimination from service providers, charity Leonard Cheshire Disability said today.Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/13/114274/kings-fund-labours-13-year-mental-health-record-falls-short.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/13/114274/kings-fund-labours-13-year-mental-health-record-falls-short.htmlLabour's record on mental health services is mixed, according to a King's Fund review of its 13 years in power.Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/12/114258/labour-pledges-improved-services-for-dementia-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/12/114258/labour-pledges-improved-services-for-dementia-patients.htmlLabour has pledged to ensure that dementia patients in every area have access to psychological therapy, counselling and memory clinics if it wins the election, in its manifesto, published today.Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114247/disability-alliance-slams-tory-plan-to-combat-benefit-fraud.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114247/disability-alliance-slams-tory-plan-to-combat-benefit-fraud.htmlMany vulnerable people could lose out under the Tories' proposed 'three strikes' policy to crack down on those who repeatedly defraud the benefits system, a campaign group has warned.Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114240/michael-parkinson-backs-dementia-declaration-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114240/michael-parkinson-backs-dementia-declaration-campaign.htmlDignity in care champion Michael Parkinson has thrown his weight behind Community Care's campaign to make dementia an election priority. (Picture: Rex)Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114241/learning-disabled-people-institutionalised-by-back-door.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114241/learning-disabled-people-institutionalised-by-back-door.htmlThe NHS and councils are "institutionalising people with learning disabilities by the back door", according to the head of a provider umbrella body.Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/08/114238/drug-users-to-be-given-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/08/114238/drug-users-to-be-given-personal-budgets.htmlDrug abusers are to be given personal budgets to help them overcome their addictions in a pilot in West Sussex. But instead of direct payments, they will each be given a virtual allocation, managed by the council, and some control over how it is spent. Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/08/114239/gordon-browns-free-personal-care-bill-becomes-law.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/08/114239/gordon-browns-free-personal-care-bill-becomes-law.htmlGordon Brown's flagship free personal care bill became law today after it was passed by the House of Lords.Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/07/114235/target-to-close-nhs-campuses-will-be-missed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/07/114235/target-to-close-nhs-campuses-will-be-missed.html The government will miss its target to close NHS campuses for people with learning disabilities by the end of 2010, a Department of Health report has revealed. Its...Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:04:44 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114186/social-care-white-paper-heralds-free-national-care-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114186/social-care-white-paper-heralds-free-national-care-service.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham today announced plans to create a national care service to provide all eligible users with free care and support but delayed any decision on how it would be funded, in a White Paper on reform.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114222/lib-dems-snp-and-plaid-back-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114222/lib-dems-snp-and-plaid-back-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmlThe Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru have announced their backing for Community Care’s Dementia Declaration campaign.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114226/white-paper-sector-split-on-personal-budgets-for-all-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114226/white-paper-sector-split-on-personal-budgets-for-all-target.htmlSocial care experts are divided over the achievability of a pledge in the care White Paper to give all eligible users a personal budget by 2012.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/02/114218/ukip-chief-suspended-over-racist-rant-on-community-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/02/114218/ukip-chief-suspended-over-racist-rant-on-community-care.htmlUK Independence Party chief Paul Wiffen has been suspended following his racist rant on Community Care. Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114211/personalisation-board-game-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114211/personalisation-board-game-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlAdvocacy charity Speaking Up has launched a board game to guide people with learning disabilities through the personal budgets maze, writes Amy Taylor Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114207/care-quality-commission-one-year-on.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114207/care-quality-commission-one-year-on.htmlAs the Care Quality Commission celebrates its first birthday, Mithran Samuel evaluates the regulator's turbulent year Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114196/providers-attack-white-paper-as-sector-splits-on-reform-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114196/providers-attack-white-paper-as-sector-splits-on-reform-plans.htmlCare providers have emerged as the harshest critics of the care White Paper, amid support from other groups for the reform plan launched yesterday by health secretary Andy Burnham.Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114182/social-care-white-paper-welcomed-amid-funding-questions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114182/social-care-white-paper-welcomed-amid-funding-questions.htmlThe social care sector has applauded the government’s social care white paper referring to it as bold and a milestone. However, many have expressed concern at the lack of detailed funding proposals.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114188/tories-and-lib-dems-unimpressed-with-care-white-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114188/tories-and-lib-dems-unimpressed-with-care-white-paper.htmlThe Tories and Liberal Democrats have rejected significant elements of Labour's plans to reform adult social care care, outlined in today's White Paper.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114179/white-paper-backs-free-care-service-but-defers-death-tax-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114179/white-paper-backs-free-care-service-but-defers-death-tax-plan.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham will back a national care service free at the point of need but defer a decision on how it will be funded in a White Paper today.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114177/personalisation-councils-get-30m-to-boost-it-and-user-advice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114177/personalisation-councils-get-30m-to-boost-it-and-user-advice.htmlCouncils are being give £30m to fund IT improvements and improved information services to help transform adult care in line with personalisation in 2010-11.Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114172/incapacity-benefit-claimants-face-reduced-welfare-payments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114172/incapacity-benefit-claimants-face-reduced-welfare-payments.htmlLarge numbers of incapacity benefit claimants could receive £25 a week less in welfare payments after the government announced today they would be reassessed under a tougher eligibility system from October onwards.Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114170/adult-care-employers-get-workforce-planning-boost.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114170/adult-care-employers-get-workforce-planning-boost.html Social care and NHS employers are to get more support in workforce planning from an agency designed to help them deliver more efficient and personalised...Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/26/114152/community-care-dementia-campaign-wins-early-backing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/26/114152/community-care-dementia-campaign-wins-early-backing.htmlCommunity Care's campaign to put dementia at the heart of the election has won the backing of a number of social care bodies following its launch yesterday.Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114147/masters-degree-in-social-work-practice-piloted-in-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114147/masters-degree-in-social-work-practice-piloted-in-2011.htmlAll social workers in England will be able to take a master's degree in social work practice, ministers have promised. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114145/unison-let-councils-employ-pas-to-protect-working-conditions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114145/unison-let-councils-employ-pas-to-protect-working-conditions.htmlPersonal assistants should be employed by local authorities rather than direct payment users to protect their working conditions, a Unison-commissioned report said this week.Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114140/independent-living-fund-defends-funding-restriction.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114140/independent-living-fund-defends-funding-restriction.htmlThe Independent Living Fund has predicted a bright future for itself supporting severely disabled people despite making what it admitted was an "unpopular" decision to restrict new funding to clients in work.Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/23/114117/care-white-paper-government-told-not-to-shirk-from-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/23/114117/care-white-paper-government-told-not-to-shirk-from-reform.htmlSixteen charities have urged ministers to ensure the forthcoming care White Paper contains explicit pledges to introduce a new, long-term funding settlement, amid reports that the government will avoid committing itself.Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/22/114113/loved-ones-written-off-by-services-study-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/22/114113/loved-ones-written-off-by-services-study-finds.htmlPrejudice, discrimination and low expectations are preventing people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities from getting the support they need, a government-commissioned report has found. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/22/114110/cps-we-must-raise-our-game-on-disability-hate-crime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/22/114110/cps-we-must-raise-our-game-on-disability-hate-crime.htmlThe Crown Prosecution Service has admitted it needs to "raise its game" in prosecuting cases of disability hate crime. It has issued new guidelines for the police, which it said would increase the number of prosecutions.Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114086/charities-delay-to-free-personal-care-bill-will-hurt-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114086/charities-delay-to-free-personal-care-bill-will-hurt-families.htmlCare charities said today they were "disappointed" that government plans to provide free care at home for people with high needs had been delayed and potentially wrecked.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114088/personal-budget-rollout-could-increase-pressure-on-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114088/personal-budget-rollout-could-increase-pressure-on-councils.htmlCouncils could face pressure on resources by having to commission traditional services alongside innovative ones as they roll out personal budgets, research by think-tank Demos shows.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114079/browns-flagship-free-personal-care-bill-dismantled-by-lords.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114079/browns-flagship-free-personal-care-bill-dismantled-by-lords.htmlGordon Brown's flagship free personal care bill has been torpedoed in the House of Lords and now has little chance of becoming law until after the general election.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114058/two-thirds-of-pcts-cannot-account-for-dementia-strategy-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114058/two-thirds-of-pcts-cannot-account-for-dementia-strategy-money.htmlNearly two-thirds of primary care trusts (PCTs) are unable to show where they have spent money intended to support the national dementia strategy, Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114076/care-white-paper-likely-to-be-vague-on-state-funding-figures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114076/care-white-paper-likely-to-be-vague-on-state-funding-figures.htmlThe mammoth public spending deficit is likely to prevent ministers from making significant financial commitments in the forthcoming care funding White Paper, experts have warned.Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114065/international-social-work-day-russias-orphanages.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114065/international-social-work-day-russias-orphanages.htmlProvision for disabled children and those with learning disabilities in Russia is thought by many experts to be 50-60 years behind that of the West. But stability under Putin's government has seen a concerted attempt to modernise care standards, writes Howard AmosTue, 16 Mar 2010 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114055/in-control-personal-budgets-delivering-improved-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114055/in-control-personal-budgets-delivering-improved-outcomes.htmlPersonal budgets have improved the lives of most users but fewer clients have true control over their care and support than official estimates indicate, In Control said today.Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114050/personalisation-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114050/personalisation-in-scotland.htmlScotland's government is pledging to make self-directed support central to social care. Jeremy Dunning investigates what this will mean Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114046/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-to-lead-hospital-dementia-audit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114046/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-to-lead-hospital-dementia-audit.htmlA comprehensive audit of dementia care in hospitals in England and Wales is to commence this week with a view to developing a quality mark for dementia care.Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/12/114039/mps-let-public-decide-on-fully-tax-funded-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/12/114039/mps-let-public-decide-on-fully-tax-funded-social-care.htmlThe public should be asked whether it supports full tax funding for adult social care, rather than have the option closed off by government, an influential cross-party group of MPs said today.Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114033/politicians-lack-will-to-reform-care-funding-rules.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114033/politicians-lack-will-to-reform-care-funding-rules.htmlPoliticians have been accused of lacking the will to fix the problems afflicting ordinary residence rules, which can place a huge burden on some local authorities and trap disabled people in unsuitable housing.Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114026/burnham-hints-white-paper-will-back-compulsory-care-levy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114026/burnham-hints-white-paper-will-back-compulsory-care-levy.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham has strongly suggested the forthcoming adult white paper will back a compulsory levy to fund care as he talked up the idea in a debate with his Tory and Lib Dem opposite numbers yesterday. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmlHeadlines in today’s papers include:- Litany of failures that let father rape his daughters for years; Labour refuses to rule out 'death tax' to fund care for elderly; Teacher had affair with teenager at special needs school, court told; Schoolgirl, 13, found hanged amid claims she was bullied because she was pretty. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114018/phil-hope-pcts-will-be-held-to-account-on-carers-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114018/phil-hope-pcts-will-be-held-to-account-on-carers-funding.htmlPrimary care trusts will be held to account for their spending on carers following revelations that dedicated resources for short breaks were not being spent as desired, care services minister Phil Hope has pledged.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114002/personalisation-chief-john-bolton-to-leave-department-of-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114002/personalisation-chief-john-bolton-to-leave-department-of-health.htmlThe civil servant who has led on the implementation of the personalisation programme in England is to leave the Department of Health.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Parties clash ahead of elderly social care summit; Psychiatric report said Jon Venables was a 'negligible risk'; Public sector pay has risen 15% more than private since Labour came to powerWed, 10 Mar 2010 08:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114017/political-leaders-urged-to-stop-bickering-over-social-care-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114017/political-leaders-urged-to-stop-bickering-over-social-care-reform.htmlAn Age Concern and Help the Aged poll has revealed that six out of 10 adults think politicians are not doing enough to work together to improve the care and support system.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/113999/stroke-association-lack-of-stroke-physio-puts-strain-on-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/113999/stroke-association-lack-of-stroke-physio-puts-strain-on-carers.htmlA lack of community physiotherapy for stroke patients is putting a strain on carers, the Stoke Association and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy revealed in a report today.Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113988/integration-birmingham-to-create-315m-health-and-care-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113988/integration-birmingham-to-create-315m-health-and-care-budget.htmlBirmingham Council and its NHS partners are set to create a pooled budget of £315m, establishing what is believed to be one of the country's biggest health and social care partnership arrangements.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113987/retail-scheme-to-provide-disability-aids-launched-in-london.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113987/retail-scheme-to-provide-disability-aids-launched-in-london.htmlA government-backed programme to roll out a "retail model" of community equipment provision was launched across London yesterday, after evidence that its pilot areas had improved people's lives and saved money.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmlMost councils are planning savage cuts to adult social care but intend to protect children's services from financial pain, public finance chiefs have found.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has been asked to step down from the national college development group amid growing criticism of its decision to launch a breakaway social work college. Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113974/scottish-msps-issue-evidence-call-on-assisted-dying-legislation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113974/scottish-msps-issue-evidence-call-on-assisted-dying-legislation.html A Scottish Parliament committee is calling for written evidence to help shape its examination of legislation on assisted dying. The End of Life Assistance...Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113803/political-debate-on-care-descends-into-acrimony.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113803/political-debate-on-care-descends-into-acrimony.htmlThe political debate on the future of care has descended into acrimony over the past week.Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113950/free-personal-care-bill-faces-general-election-deadline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113950/free-personal-care-bill-faces-general-election-deadline.htmlThe government's battle to pass legislation to introduce free personal care at home before the general election looks set to go right down to the wire.Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113948/inspectors-urge-indeterminate-prison-sentence-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113948/inspectors-urge-indeterminate-prison-sentence-review.htmlThe prisons and probation inspectorates have called for a major review of indeterminate prison sentences in a report today which renewed concerns over disabled...Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113947/jobcentre-staff-disabled-people-wrongly-deemed-fit-for-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113947/jobcentre-staff-disabled-people-wrongly-deemed-fit-for-work.htmlJobcentre Plus staff feel many people who pass work capability assessments are not fit for work, according to a study by the Department of Work and Pensions published yesterday.Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113943/news-round-up-james-bulger-sarahs-law-autism-care-lottery.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113943/news-round-up-james-bulger-sarahs-law-autism-care-lottery.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- James Bulger's killer 'back where he belongs'; 'Sarah's law' pilot raises revenge fears; New focus on adults with autism; How pensioners are punished by the care lotteryWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113936/adass-tells-dh-make-personal-care-part-funded-not-free.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113936/adass-tells-dh-make-personal-care-part-funded-not-free.htmlThe government should part-fund personal care at home for people with high needs rather than make it free to ensure the policy is affordable for councils, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has said.Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Councils consider plans to shed 170,000 public sector jobs; Shannon Matthews kidnap report unlikely until after election; Terminally ill 'unable to die at home through lack of nursing cover'; Legal challenge over Yarl's Wood womenMon, 01 Mar 2010 09:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113917/risk-factor-a-young-offender-with-learning-disabilities-who-was-prone-to-violent-outbursts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113917/risk-factor-a-young-offender-with-learning-disabilities-who-was-prone-to-violent-outbursts.htmlWorking with young offenders is difficult at the best of times, but problems can be complicated further when an offender has learning disabilities, writes Mark Drinkwater. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113906/dh-set-to-announce-future-role-of-adult-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113906/dh-set-to-announce-future-role-of-adult-social-workers.htmlThe Department of Health will publish a statement later today on the future roles and tasks of adult social workers within a personalised care system, care minister Phil Hope has announced. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113907/most-councils-failing-deaf-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113907/most-councils-failing-deaf-children.htmlTwo-thirds of local authorities in England are failing deaf children, according to research from the University of Manchester.Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113893/tories-appoint-lse-professor-to-slash-social-work-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113893/tories-appoint-lse-professor-to-slash-social-work-bureaucracy.htmlThe Conservatives have appointed Eileen Munro, professor of social policy at the London School of Economics, to consider how bureaucracy should be slashed in social work and child protection.Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113875/leonard-cheshire-disability-explores-cuts-in-user-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113875/leonard-cheshire-disability-explores-cuts-in-user-support.html Leonard Cheshire Disability is considering closing down its award-winning service user support team in an effort to cut costs. The charity, Britain's...Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113841/carers-uk-urges-more-support-for-carers-to-avoid-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113841/carers-uk-urges-more-support-for-carers-to-avoid-crisis.htmlCarers UK today called on employers and the state to sign up to a 'social contract' to support carers to help stave off a "tipping point" when families will no longer be able to provide sufficient care for older people.Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113826/social-care-row-lib-dem-urges-tory-chief-to-attend-conference.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113826/social-care-row-lib-dem-urges-tory-chief-to-attend-conference.htmlLiberal Democrat health spokesperson Norman Lamb has urged Tory opposite number Andrew Lansley to attend this Friday's conference on social care funding reform, to help get efforts to forge a cross-party consensus back on track.Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Torture boys' sentence 'not too lenient'; The confessions of a mercy killer; Seventeen million could have to pay 'death tax', Tories claim; Yarl's Wood children face 'extreme distress'Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmlAlso in today's papers:- Social services 'failed autistic boy' and Mandelson denies Labour abandoning pledges to increase spendingFri, 12 Feb 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113793/cqc-to-hold-talks-on-joining-up-health-and-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113793/cqc-to-hold-talks-on-joining-up-health-and-social-care.html The Care Quality Commission is set to hold discussions with stakeholders over the coming months on how it intends to encourage greater levels of joined-up...Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham has approved the creation of a "care trust plus" to integrate health and social care commissioning in Blackburn with Darwen.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113764/councils-fail-to-tell-service-users-about-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113764/councils-fail-to-tell-service-users-about-personal-budgets.htmlMany councils in England are failing to provide potential service users with adequate information about personal budgets – nearly two years into the personalisation agenda.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113766/news-round-up-care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113766/news-round-up-care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-probe.htmlMore than 70 leaders of social care throughout England are warning that the Government’s plans to provide free home care are flawed, unfunded and will force cuts to current services.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113767/care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-sex-assault-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113767/care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-sex-assault-probe.htmlMore than 70 leaders of social care throughout England are warning that the Government’s plans to provide free home care are flawed, unfunded and will force cuts to current services.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113765/councillors-condemn-gordon-browns-free-care-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113765/councillors-condemn-gordon-browns-free-care-plan.htmlLead councillors from over half of England's local authorities today condemned the government's free personal care plans in an open letter to The Times that dubbed the proposals 'unclear and unfunded'.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113762/funding-short-breaks-saves-174m-report-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113762/funding-short-breaks-saves-174m-report-finds.htmlSustained funding of short breaks for disabled children and their families can save the state £174m, according to a new report.Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113761/scottish-government-launches-personalisation-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113761/scottish-government-launches-personalisation-strategy.html The Scottish government has issued a consultative 10-year strategy to roll out personalisation...Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmlOther headlines in today's papers:- Inheritance levy to fund social care being considered by ministers; Margo MacDonald's Bill 'would encourage suicide tourism to Scotland'; Hunger strike at detention centreTue, 09 Feb 2010 08:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/05/113739/princess-royal-trust-parties-must-make-pledges-for-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/05/113739/princess-royal-trust-parties-must-make-pledges-for-carers.htmlThe Princess Royal Trust for Carers has urged the three main political parties to provide explicit guarantees about supporting carers in their election manifestos.Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113730/lord-warner-calls-for-inquiry-into-assisted-dying-law.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113730/lord-warner-calls-for-inquiry-into-assisted-dying-law.htmlFormer health minister Lord Warner has called for the government to set up an independent inquiry into the law on assisted suicide legislation, to clear...Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113722/ofsted-business-links-key-to-finding-jobs-for-disabled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113722/ofsted-business-links-key-to-finding-jobs-for-disabled.html Ofsted has urged employment support providers for disabled people to forge close links with businesses and use clearer long-term planning to help their clients...Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113713/cqc-councils-to-face-tougher-test-but-no-rating-in-2010-11.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113713/cqc-councils-to-face-tougher-test-but-no-rating-in-2010-11.htmlEnglish councils would face a tougher assessment of performance but no overall rating in 2010-11, if consultative plans issued by the Care Quality Commission yesterday come to fruition.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113712/alzheimers-research-trust-dementia-impact-higher-than-ever.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113712/alzheimers-research-trust-dementia-impact-higher-than-ever.htmlDementia costs the UK economy £23bn a year and affects 820,000 people, according to research out today which found that the impact of the disease was far higher than previously thought and that research funding was far too low.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113706/short-breaks-for-disabled-children-may-be-statutory.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113706/short-breaks-for-disabled-children-may-be-statutory.htmlLocal authorities could face specific statutory duties on providing short-break services for families of disabled children and young people after ring-fenced funding ends in 2011.Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113708/edinburgh-may-be-sued-by-disabled-people-over-contracts-saga.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113708/edinburgh-may-be-sued-by-disabled-people-over-contracts-saga.htmlDisabled people may sue Edinburgh Council for human rights breaches or disability discrimination because of its handling of a retendering process for care and support services, which is likely to be halted on Thursday.Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113701/edinburgh-to-halt-contract-process-after-deloitte-criticism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113701/edinburgh-to-halt-contract-process-after-deloitte-criticism.htmlEdinburgh Council is set to halt a controversial retendering process for support services for disabled people after it was criticised in an independent report.Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113682/msps-to-debate-bill-on-opening-men-only-care-home-to-women.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113682/msps-to-debate-bill-on-opening-men-only-care-home-to-women.html A care home for men with drink-related mental health problems is to expand its services to women for the first time in its 150-year history - through...Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113680/charities-tell-peers-to-back-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113680/charities-tell-peers-to-back-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmlA coalition of charities has urged peers to back government legislation to provide free personal care at home for people with high needs, when it enters the House of Lords next week.Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113671/how-learning-disabled-man-proved-career-catalyst-for-action-for-advocacy-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113671/how-learning-disabled-man-proved-career-catalyst-for-action-for-advocacy-chief.htmlA learning disabled man struggling to resettle proved the career catalyst for Rick Henderson, of Action for Advocacy Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113681/dh-funded-pilots-launched-to-boost-support-for-visually-impaired.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113681/dh-funded-pilots-launched-to-boost-support-for-visually-impaired.htmlDepartment of Health-funded pilots have been launched to map and improve services for visually impaired people, as part of the UK Vision Strategy.Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.html Councils should have greater control over the running of health services, the Local Government Association said today. In a consultative document,...Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113647/social-enterprise-urges-online-markets-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113647/social-enterprise-urges-online-markets-for-social-care.htmlThe government and Care Quality Commission have been urged to help create online marketplaces where care users and providers can trade directly with each other, as part of the personalisation agenda.Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113656/wales-legislates-to-improve-information-for-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113656/wales-legislates-to-improve-information-for-carers.htmlThe Welsh government has introduced legislation to improve the lives of carers through improved information. The proposed Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure would place duties on the NHS and local authorities in Wales to work together to provide information for carers and consult them on services that they or the people they care for receive.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113646/mandatory-adult-safeguarding-boards-on-the-cards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113646/mandatory-adult-safeguarding-boards-on-the-cards.htmlThe government last week announced plans to make multi-agency adult safeguarding boards mandatory by putting them on a statutory footing.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113633/professor-to-lead-national-dementia-strategy-implementation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113633/professor-to-lead-national-dementia-strategy-implementation.htmlAn academic and old age psychiatrist has been appointed to lead the implementation of the Department of Health's national dementia strategy for England.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113630/care-home-provider-fined-100000-after-teenagers-death.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113630/care-home-provider-fined-100000-after-teenagers-death.htmlA care home provider has been fined £100,000 over the case of a disabled teenager who died after being lowered into a bath of scalding water. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113617/assisted-suicide-bill-introduced-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113617/assisted-suicide-bill-introduced-in-scotland.htmlThe Scottish Parliament is to consider legislation aiming to give terminally ill or severely disabled people the right to die. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113608/york-council-proposes-care-cuts-and-increased-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113608/york-council-proposes-care-cuts-and-increased-charges.htmlOlder and disabled people in York are facing cuts to respite care services and increased charges as the council tries to claw back a projected overspend of £1.1m in adult social care.Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/18/113586/wirral-council-to-compensate-overcharged-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/18/113586/wirral-council-to-compensate-overcharged-service-users.htmlWirral Council is to pay a group of learning disabled people more than £241,000 after overcharging them for several years for residential services, vindicating the complaints of a whistleblower in 2008.Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113578/tories-attack-400000-research-spend-on-care-green-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113578/tories-attack-400000-research-spend-on-care-green-paper.htmlShadow health minister Stephen O'Brien has slammed the government for paying over £400,000 in research costs for last year's adult care green paper without publishing the full results.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113577/care-provider-alliance-slams-celebrity-big-brother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113577/care-provider-alliance-slams-celebrity-big-brother.htmlThe Care Provider Alliance has blasted Channel 4 for the alleged negative portrayal of care homes and older people on Celebrity Big Brother this week.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113572/scottish-parliament-slams-uk-government-over-care-green-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113572/scottish-parliament-slams-uk-government-over-care-green-paper.htmlThe Scottish Parliament has attacked the UK government for failing to consider the impact of its adult green paper on vulnerable pensioners in Scotland. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113574/valuing-people-now-one-year-on.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113574/valuing-people-now-one-year-on.htmlTwelve months after the launch of Valuing People Now, Vern Pitt reports on the strategy's progress in improving the care and life chances of people with learning disabilities Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113559/news-round-up-loan-sharks-tories-want-more-disabled-mps-family-spending-falls.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113559/news-round-up-loan-sharks-tories-want-more-disabled-mps-family-spending-falls.htmlThousands of households have taken out loans with interest rates averaging 825% during "the worst Christmas in a generation" for illegal doorstep lending, according to a new report. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113558/kings-fund-chief-savages-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113558/kings-fund-chief-savages-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmlGovernment plans to provide free personal care at home for users with high needs have "thrown into reverse" its efforts to persuade the public of the need to contribute to their future care costs.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113557/pcts-must-be-required-to-deliver-on-dementia-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113557/pcts-must-be-required-to-deliver-on-dementia-strategy.htmlPrimary care trusts should be required to deliver on the government's national dementia strategy, sector leaders said today, after a critical National Audit Office report found the strategy was at risk of failure.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113548/lord-lipsey-personal-care-bill-faces-rough-ride-in-lords.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113548/lord-lipsey-personal-care-bill-faces-rough-ride-in-lords.htmlLabour peer Lord Lipsey has predicted that the Personal Care at Home Bill will face a "rough ride" as it progresses through the House of Lords.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113542/national-dementia-strategy-at-risk-of-failure-says-nao.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113542/national-dementia-strategy-at-risk-of-failure-says-nao.htmlThe government's national dementia strategy for England is at risk of failure because of a lack of leadership and mechanisms to deliver on change, a National Audit Office report warned today.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Public service cuts to target middle classes; It's none of your business: What Age Concern told neighbour who phoned fearing for older couple later found dead in their home; 'Problem' families should be put into care, says crime adviserWed, 13 Jan 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113535/personal-care-at-home-bill-passes-through-commons.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113535/personal-care-at-home-bill-passes-through-commons.htmlLegislation to introduce free personal care at home for people with high-level needs in England passed through the House of Commons last night.Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Michael Parkinson says care of elderly downright unacceptable; Pensioners found dead in their own home at peak of UK's Big Freeze spark inquiry; Bridgend: Double hanging in town rocked by young suicidesTue, 12 Jan 2010 09:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113506/parenting-skills-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113506/parenting-skills-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlCamilla Pemberton reports on a Family Action service that helps parents with learning disabilities gain the skills to enable them to look after their children successfullyFri, 08 Jan 2010 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113502/burnham-pledges-care-funding-white-paper-before-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113502/burnham-pledges-care-funding-white-paper-before-election.htmlThe government still intends to produce a white paper on adult care funding reform before the next general election to ensure it becomes a "top order issue" on polling day, health secretary Andy Burnham said yesterday.Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Abusers could slip through, admits vetting scheme boss; Extradition of Gary McKinnon 'breaches Bill of Rights'; The Saga manifesto: Over-50s tell party leaders what they want from the governmentThu, 07 Jan 2010 08:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113483/hampshire-closes-day-centres-in-face-of-heavy-snow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113483/hampshire-closes-day-centres-in-face-of-heavy-snow.htmlHampshire Council has closed its 22 day centres for older people, people with learning disabilities and those with physical disabilities because of the heavy snow.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113480/news-round-up-outcry-over-feeding-tubes-penniless-gurkhas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113480/news-round-up-outcry-over-feeding-tubes-penniless-gurkhas.html Care homes forcing elderly to have feeding tubes fitted Thousands of elderly people are being forced to have tubes fitted so they can be artificially fed if they want to be admitted to a care home, a major report warns today. Read more on this story in The Guardian Mother 'injected brain-damaged son with fatal dose of heroin to end misery' A mother injected her brain-damaged son with a fatal dose of heroin while out on bail for a previous attempt at "ending his misery", a court heard. Read more on this story in The Daily Telegraph Penniless Gurkhas turn to UK charity after Joanna Lumley campaign Military charities are being swamped by penniless Gurkhas and their families arriving at Heathrow to settle in Britain after the campaign last year to allow them to live in this country. Read more on this story in The Times Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/05/113476/learning-disability-services-at-worst-damaging-says-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/05/113476/learning-disability-services-at-worst-damaging-says-cqc.htmlSpecialist health services for learning disabled people still need significant improvement, despite the intense focus regulators have given them in recent years.Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmlLabour today accused the Conservatives of having a £34bn hole in their spending plans as the Tories outlined their election platform for health and social care.Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Brown insists big cuts are not inevitable; Recession will lead to 'lost generation' of young people; Why I told about my abuse, by England rugby star Brian MooreMon, 04 Jan 2010 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113463/decade-of-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113463/decade-of-social-care.htmlSome of the key policy movements that have defined the past 10 years in social work Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113409/government-tells-pcts-to-work-more-closely-with-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113409/government-tells-pcts-to-work-more-closely-with-social-care.htmlHealth services will become much more involved in social care, under plans announced by the Department of Health today. Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 10 Dec 2009 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113404/plans-to-extend-direct-payments-to-disabled-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113404/plans-to-extend-direct-payments-to-disabled-adults.htmlThe government has unveiled plans to extend direct payments to disabled adults, providing them with more choice and control over the state funding and services they receive.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Haringey social services still 'poor', says Ofsted a year after Baby P; Chancellor warns Whitehall of ‘real cuts’; Councils named and shamed by online audit of public services from bins to jails; Prison ministers accused over action on heroin; Darling is forced to delay pension boost.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmlA 10-year mental health strategy centring on depression has been launched by the government today. Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113366/adasss-owen-attacks-cqc-over-treatment-of-eight-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113366/adasss-owen-attacks-cqc-over-treatment-of-eight-councils.htmlThe Association of Directors of Adult Social Services' president has lambasted the Care Quality Commission over its treatment of the eight councils rated 'adequate' in this year's annual performance assessment. Jenny Owen said most of the eight did not know that they were going to be categorised as "priority for improvement" following yesterday's assessment until Owen informed them earlier this week. Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113363/carers-rights-day-third-of-carers-put-in-50-hours-a-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113363/carers-rights-day-third-of-carers-put-in-50-hours-a-week.htmlAlmost one in three carers are caring for a loved-one for over 50 hours a week while 9% had given up work and 7% reduced their hours, a survey has found.Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113362/edinburgh-care-contracts-suspended-pending-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113362/edinburgh-care-contracts-suspended-pending-inquiry.htmlEdinburgh Council's controversial retendering of its adult care services will be shelved pending an independent investigation of the process, the authority has announced.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113333/cqc-ratings-reactions-from-the-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113333/cqc-ratings-reactions-from-the-sector.htmlThe Care Quality Commission published its annual performance assessment of local authority adult social care today, along with a report looking at how care providers are doing against CQC's quality ratings system and the national minimum standards. Here are some of the reactions from sector bodies.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113354/eight-councils-face-cqc-scrutiny-after-adequate-rating.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113354/eight-councils-face-cqc-scrutiny-after-adequate-rating.htmlEight councils will face added scrutiny from the Care Quality Commission over the coming year after receiving an adequate rating in this year's annual performance assessment.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113351/ehrc-to-probe-agencies-on-handling-of-disability-harassment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113351/ehrc-to-probe-agencies-on-handling-of-disability-harassment.htmlPublic authorities in England and Wales will face an inquiry into their handling of disability-related harassment by the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, the watchdog announced today.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:48:00 GMThttp://www.c