General News

Newswire – LGA: Council leaders are requesting a meeting with Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, to reassure them his health shake-up won’t replace genuine democratic accountability with mere ‘window dressing’.
 
They want local representation to remain at the heart of the Government’s health reforms.  They also want to make sure the crucial opportunity to link health & public health isn’t squandered & services for homeless people, mental health, learning disabilities, AIDS/HIV, dementia & child health don’t ‘take a backseat’.
Press release & links
 
DECC: Householders who struggle to heat their homes can now apply for help under the re-opened Warm Front scheme, which will provide assistance to more than 90,000 of the poorest households over the next 2 years, helping householders to install heating measures and insulate their homes.
Press release & links
 
NA: The National Archives is celebrating the fact that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain, which opened on 3 May 1951.  The purpose of the festival was to show the world the British contribution to civilisation - past, present & future - in the arts, in science & in industrial design.  It signalled Britain's revival after the war and aimed to present to the world & its own people a modern Britain, building a better future.
Press release & links
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story