More older people are to be helped to live independently in their own homes for longer, thanks to a £18.5m government project.

A new purpose built Immigration Removal Centre is planned at Gatwick Airport as part of the Government’s drive to deliver a firm but fair immigration and asylum system, the Home Office announced today.

30 pc reduction in admissions could mean people don’t spend unnecessary time in hospital and save over £400m a year for other services.

The Health Secretary has rejected claims patients will suffer because of the NHS cash crisis, after a hospital trust said it was cutting 1,000 jobs. Patricia Hewitt also denied that the raft of current NHS reforms had caused the present financial problems, adding that they would actually solve them.

A new report published by Carers UK reveals that people who care for their elderly, sick or disabled relatives are being let down because public authorities are failing to implement the Human Rights Act. This is having serious, and potentially life-threatening, consequences.

Parents will get extra help in tackling their children’s poor behaviour or attendance at school, and encouraged to play a more effective role in supporting their teachers, Schools Minister Jacqui Smith confirmed today.

A new Home Office programme to break down barriers to volunteering has received a £3 million boost.

Increased financial help will soon be available for some severely disabled people wishing to live independently in the community.

The process for filling the top job in UK social care has begun. Care Services Minister Liam Byrne outlined details of the new Department of Health board-level post ahead of a number of adverts appearing in the national and specialist press.

A new drive to help people with mental health problems get back on their feet and back into work has been launched by UK Health Minister Rosie Winterton.