Monthly Archives: March 2012

OAPs demand NHS-style care service

 Pensioners called on the government on Monday to introduce a national care service funded by general taxation along the lines of the NHS.

Tuesday 20 March 2012
by Will Stone, Health and Social Affairs Reporter

 

The new Fair Care Campaign was set up by the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) to combat the growing crisis in elderly care.

It follows numerous reports recently that have highlighted the failures in the current social care system and comes ahead of a government white paper seeking to integrate funding and commissioning between services, expected later this year.

NPC analysis revealed a postcode lottery of charges for care at home, inadequate standards in both nursing and home care, a lack of proper training and qualifications among care staff and little support for family carers.

A false separation between NHS funded medical care and means-tested social care has also removed thousands of frail elderly people from receiving free care, the NPC said.

Carers free from tax credit cuts

Plans to change tax credit entitlement that would have cost couples with disabled children up to £3,870 a year have been altered.

 Couples with disabled children are entitled to financial help through the tax credits system

Plans to change tax credit entitlement that would have cost couples with disabled children up to £3,870 a year have been altered.

Millions of working low-income families can claim tax credits, in addition to some benefits.

Changes in April mean couples with children will have to work for 24 hours a week between them, not 16, in order to qualify for working tax credit.

However, the government has now made carers exempt from this change.

Computers in the cow shed!

Is this the most unusual Spring Online Event ever?

We’ve heard of Spring Online events being held in libraries, community centres, cafes and even pubs – but never in a cowshed before.

But on April 23, Brenda’s Cowshed in Perrymoor near Lancaster will open its doors for the The No. 1 Ladies Spring Online Event.

There will be tea, cake and the chance to learn more about digital photography and sharing photos, using Skype and email to keep in touch with the family, plus ipad tricks and treats during the afternoon.