Unregistered Children's Homes Charge £30,000 a Week
Ofsted warns of a 'shadow market' in children's care, with nearly 900 investigations launched into unregistered homes charging exorbitant fees. Urgent government action is demanded.
Ofsted warns of a 'shadow market' in children's care, with nearly 900 investigations launched into unregistered homes charging exorbitant fees. Urgent government action is demanded.
Worcester City Council approves converting a house into a children's care home on Woolhope Road, overriding neighbours' concerns about parking and neighbourhood character.
NatWest expands its ringfenced social rent loan fund to £1bn, aiming to accelerate the building of affordable homes and save housing associations up to £50m. Read the full announcement.
Young adults leaving care in England will receive free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests up to age 25. A new pilot also offers paid NHS internships and guaranteed interviews.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly weighing a social media ban for under-16s in the UK, closely monitoring Australia's new crackdown. Read the latest on the potential policy shift.
West Midlands Police could lose £41.1m in funding, risking further cuts to officers. Crime Commissioner Simon Foster warns of a 'postcode lottery' and fewer police on streets.
Scottish officials are weighing a historic change to the 2005 smoking ban to allow supervised crack cocaine smoking in Glasgow and Edinburgh facilities. Read the full story.
Redrow South Midlands' Community Fund has awarded £2,600 to three Cambridgeshire organisations, supporting youth sports and adult disability services. Discover how the donations are making a difference.
Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford receives a £100,000 Army Benevolent Fund grant to enhance dementia care, activities, and quality of life for its elderly veteran residents.
Dudley Council is set for a £75.9m three-year finance settlement from the Labour government. While Labour MPs hail a 'turning point', the borough's Conservative leader urges caution, saying 'the devil is in the detail'. Read the full story.
Head chef Andy Pridmore and deputy Sarah Pell prepare festive feast for 31st year at Cedar Falls care home in Spalding. Read their heartwarming story of dedication.
Residents of Edgbaston Manor care home welcomed Harper Bell School pupils for a day of carols and shared memories, reviving festive traditions. Discover this heartwarming intergenerational story.
Birmingham City Council secures a massive £651.5m funding increase over five years as part of a new £78bn government settlement targeting deprived areas. Read the full story.
Moya Cole Hospice partners with Molly Lou Candles to launch its first-ever scented candle. At £25, each sale donates £10 directly to patient care. Available online now.
Moya Cole Hospice held its annual Light Up a Life remembrance services at Manchester Cathedral. Families shared heartfelt stories of outstanding care, lighting candles for loved ones.
New research reveals a stark generational gap in readiness for dementia care, with men over 45 feeling significantly less prepared. Nationwide and Dementia UK urge those affected to seek support.
Doris Griffiths, 101, celebrated her birthday by turning on the Christmas lights at her Chingford care home, The Spinney, with special guests: two Humboldt penguins. Read about the magical winter wonderland event.
Worcestershire County Council is investigating AI to ease social workers' admin burden, but councillors warn professional judgement must be preserved. Read the latest.
Dudley Council faces a 300% rise in adult safeguarding cases, deploys drones against off-road bikes, and sparks a £10k spending row. Explore this week's key developments.
George Evans marks his 100th birthday, joining five other centenarian veterans at Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford. Discover their incredible stories of service and longevity.
The government has announced a £246m funding package for bus services across the West of England. Local authorities will decide how to spend the money on new vehicles, infrastructure, and keeping fares low.
A £264.1 million government funding package will transform bus services in Birmingham and the West Midlands, aiming for lower fares and more reliable journeys. Discover how this investment will impact your commute.
An independent evaluation reveals a pioneering three-year programme has successfully overhauled support for seriously ill children and their families in Lancashire and South Cumbria, filling critical service gaps.
Hospice UK warns of unsustainable funding as bed closures rise. The government's new palliative care framework offers hope, but immediate financial support is missing from the budget.
Dudley Council awaits answers on a £56m SEND funding deficit despite a new national policy. The financial 'bomb' could still push the authority towards effective bankruptcy. Read the latest.
Linda Campbell, an activities coordinator at Springbank Nursing Home in Barry, has won a Bronze Outstanding Service Award at the prestigious Wales Care Awards for her two decades of dedicated service.
Discover why your Christmas cacti, poinsettias and orchids fail to bloom. Expert tips from houseplant podcast hosts reveal common mistakes and solutions for vibrant festive plants.
Patients in Dudley face waits up to 252 days for vital mental health assessments as referrals surge. Council invests £215k to tackle backlog. Read the latest developments.
Kent communities welcome a new council funding model based on current need, ending the outdated system that left areas like Dover and Deal struggling. Discover how this change will impact local services.
Alliance Manchester Business School celebrates its 60th anniversary by launching a book calling for business schools to tackle society's biggest challenges, from climate change to inequality.