Social care for vulnerable people is being squeezed as a result of NHS deficits, according to the Local Government Association. The LGA says costs are being shunted to social services departments as the NHS in England aims to balance its books. A survey of 95 councils which run social services found two thirds say NHS debts are affecting them. The Department of Health said the NHS and local authorities had to work together for patients' benefit.
The mineral zinc may play a role in the development of a common cause of blindness, research suggests. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among elderly people in the developed world. Researchers found high zinc levels in deposits in the eye which are a marker for AMD development. The study, published in Experimental Eye Research and led by London's Institute of Ophthalmology, could help the development of new treatments.
The number of young children with Type 1 diabetes has risen dramatically in the last 20 years, a study suggests. The number of under-fives with the condition increased five-fold - meaning it affected one child in every 1,000 by 2004, a study around Oxford found. Other studies have revealed similar rises, suggesting the trend is true for the whole of the UK, Diabetes UK said. The Bristol University team blame genes and environmental factors, including breastfeeding rates.
Sir Hayden Phillips, who has been looking into Party funding, has proposed a limit of £50,000 from individuals or organisations, increased state funding and a cut in spending between elections.
The Lib Dem led city council is planning to invest £4.28 million in the plan for a new Digital Media Centre, which could be located in the city centre and will replace the Phoenix Arts. The rest of the investment in the plan will be coming from the private sector.
News that an extra £1 million of funding for enterprise education has been announced by Scottish LibDem Leader Nicol Stephen MSP was today (Thursday 15th March) warmly welcomed by Dundee Liberal Democrats.
