Social services chiefs have warned that more older people and citizens with disabilities will be denied state-funded care support over the next two years as local authority finances continue to take a battering from funding cuts. The scale and severity of the financial squeeze is laid bare in a survey by the Association of Directors […]

Today’s  Independent examines how more than 100,000 homes have seen their energy costs cut by an average of £100 by signing up to a collective switching scheme run by their local council. Those who have signed-up so far have saved between £60 and £250 and the popularity of the schemes is soaring with the number of […]

County Councillor Bill Winlow has today called for an all party coalition to run Lancashire following the local elections in which no party  won enough seats to set up an administration. “I have contacted both the Labour and Conservative Party leaders to say that we are willing to enter discussions about the establishment of the […]

Thank you very much to all the 1115 electors who voted for me on May 2nd. My majority increased from only 38 in 2009 to 184 with the Conservatives in second place, Labour 3rd and UKiP 4th. I’ve been very encouraged by all the messages of good will since the result was announced early on […]

 The good news is that Preston City Council is unhappy with the suggested access to the Stoney Butts and Dodney Drive sites and has gone back to the site owners to tell them this. “The chances of these developments taking place are minimal, but we must all stay alert for alternative, unacceptable proposals and be […]

Owners and directors of care homes where elderly people are mistreated will face jail under a new law making them corporately accountable for any neglect and abuse. Care homes that cover up incidents of neglect and abuse also face prosecution under a new, legally binding duty of candour for staff. Under the plans managers will […]