Britain is facing a crisis in social care as significant as climate change, a government minister has warned. There will be a £6bn-a-year shortfall in caring for elderly people in 20 years’ time, based on current levels of taxation and a growing elderly population. By 2028 the number of people over 65 in Norfolk will have increased by 57pc, while those over 85 will have increased by 102pc.

Neglected horses find a new home thanks to Wirral Council Plans to improve adult social services for thousands of Wirral residents have received a £1million boost.

COMPUTER memory sticks containing sensitive and confidential information about children at risk have been found lying in a car park. A member of the public came across them in Ley Street car park, Ilford.

A 16-year-old girl was found dead at a care home. Staff at High View in Wallsend alerted emergency services after finding the youngster in her bedroom at noon yesterday. The cause of death has not been determined.

More than 30 vulnerable patients at a care home were “evacuated” yesterday amid fears for their safety and well-being.

UNIONS have vowed to continue their fight to save two council care home after Tory council leaders agreed to close them down.

REPORTS of assaults on elderly and vulnerable people in Calderdale care homes, hospitals and community settings have almost doubled.

FAMILIES coping with a child with autism or Asperger syndrome can now benefit from a new service that provides autism awareness workshops at The Bonded Warehouse in Stourbridge.

COUNCIL leaders in Southampton caused an outcry last night when they unanimously voted to close down two care homes and evict 62 residents to save cash.

A reform of children’s services after the death of torture victim Victoria Climbié has created a recipe for confusion, a government spending watchdog will say today. Victoria died in February 2000 at the age of eight from hypothermia caused by malnourishment and damp conditions. The postmortem had found 128 injuries on her body.