“Complacent and breathtakingly arrogant” is how the Abraham Cowley Pyschiatric Unit’s (ACU) management was described this week.

The number of council “fat cats” earning salaries of more than £100,000 rose by a third last year, the Taxpayers’ Alliance has said. The pressure group said it was an “insult” that such high salaries were being paid on the back of above-inflation council tax rises.

The General Social Care Council (GSCC) has welcomed the announcement by the Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt, on the Government’s proposals to consult on a new commissioning framework for health and social care.

Dr David Salisbury, who works for the Department of Health, said immunising youngsters against the virus was “a top priority” for the Government. Those hit hardest by flu – including the over-65s and children with medical conditions, such as asthma – already receive free jabs.

Britain’s institutions stand accused of fostering a climate of casual racism after a series of race rows yesterday provoked clashes between MPs, academics and leaders of the black and Asian communities.

A new DNA test will help police in the UK solve rape cases even when the attacker has not left any traces of sperm, scientists say. The test looks for the genetic hallmark of other cells present in semen, such as skin and immune cells.

The government needs to work harder on some of its policies on encouraging the nation to eat healthily, according to a consumer watchdog. Which? said it particularly wanted to see more action on the advertising of unhealthy foods to children.

A Town Hall report investigating alleged theft, corruption and negligence by Camden council workers providing services for the elderly and vulnerable will be kept secret, borough officials said yesterday.

A bed-bound man who has lost half his body weight through illness is threatening legal action after social services cut his home care.

Vital services for people at risk of suicide will close in weeks due to a cash crisis. Mind in Manchester needs £100,000 a year to carry on helping 120 people with severe mental health problems.