Monthly political summary - February 2011

Welfare

Work programme in trouble already: The Association of Learning Providers warned last week that many of its members were becoming increasingly uncertain about participating in the coalitions massive new back-to-work programme, even though they can make up to £14,000 for getting hard to help claimants into sustained employment. 25/01/11 Benefits and Work

Health

Care Funding Commission seeks fresh evidence and ideas: Further evidence and fresh perspectives are needed to develop a fair, sustainable and resilient solution for the future funding of care and support. Chair of the Commission on Funding of Care and Support Andrew Dilnot said today as he launched a call for evidence. 01/12/10 Department of Health

Patient power ''not helped'' by NHS reforms: Rather than increasing patient power, the proposed NHS reforms risk diluting it, eight health charities have warned in a letter to a national newspaper. 08/02/11 Public Service

Education

Government announces £800 million to support families: Local authorities and the voluntary and community sector provide a range of short breaks services for families – including overnight stays, day trips with groups of children, fun activities in the community and one-to-one support. To help improve the way short breaks are provided, the Government is also announcing today £40 million of capital investment in 2011-12. 11/12/10 The Department for Education The Children’s Trust

Other

Mumsnet story highlights the tough reality for families with disabled children: On 19th January, Riven Vincent posted a message on Mumsnet saying that she felt she could no longer cope due to lack of short breaks support. Mumsnet posters responded with wholehearted support and the issue was brought to the attention of the national media. 24/01/11 Every child matters

Tory MP claims he was mocked for disability in House of Commons: Paul Maynard said that Labour MPs had made faces at him, stretching their cheeks, apparently impersonating him as he spoke in the Commons chamber.05/02/11 Telegraph