Monthly Archives: January 2014

Cancer carers ‘overlooked’ by NHS

Macmillan Cancer Support said that so-called “cancer carers” are being “overlooked” by the health service.

It cautioned that many carers are missing out on much-needed practical, emotional and financial help.

The comments come after a poll of more than 2,000 cancer carers found that many were not signposted to support available for them as a carer.

Almost two fifths (37%) said that they were not given any information or advice about the services available to them by a health professional.

Proposed council cuts to adult social care and cultural services in Norfolk

Proposed cuts to adult social care and cultural services discussed by Norfolk county councillors

Proposed council cuts to adult social care and cultural services in Norfolk were the subject of debate at County Hall.

Norfolk County Council has proposed £140m worth of cuts and savings over the next three years, and today the council’s Community Services Overview and Scrutiny Panel looked specifically at those relating to adult social care and cultural services.

Amid growing poverty, councils have failed to save fund for those in need

From April 2015, a £180m a year hardship fund will be abolished. Councils have simply not made a strong enough argument for it

 

“Poverty can never be tackled simply through central government schemes. There is a growing need for more innovative approaches.”

Iain Duncan Smith‘s axe has struck again. This time its local authority welfare assistance schemes on the block. But we’re not talking reform or even cuts. The scheme had already been significantly cut last year. From April 2015 a £180m a year hardship fund will be abolished completely. That’s right. Scrapped. A vital safety net will no longer be there.

For years I’ve seen the value of crisis loans, which used to operate under the social fund until the government devolved funding last year, allowing councils to set up their own discretionary crisis funds. They’re a critical part of the welfare system to help people in desperate need.