Millions of pounds of public money aimed at helping the most deprived areas of Wales are being sent back unused, it has emerged. Research by BBC Wales reveals that over £6m of Communities First funds was returned over the last two years.

A heroin addict with 77 previous convictions stole more than £200 meant for an autistic man. Samantha Richards, 30, cashed a benefits cheque for £217.13 addressed to the man’s mother, who was his full-time carer, a court heard.

Two Welsh MPs have put forward plans for a compromise on the Government’s highly contentious Mental Health Bill. Ministers want to make it easier to detain people and force them to be treated, regardless of whether they have committed a crime.

Many of the 350,000 carers across Wales feel isolated and exhausted by their work, research to mark the start of National Carers Week has shown. A survey found carers believed their role was affecting their relationships and they needed more support.

The strategy to educate Welsh children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and substance abuse is not working effectively, according to a report.

Police and immigration officers have arrested seven workers after swooping on a popular Chinese restaurant in Carmarthen. Diners were shocked to see the officers at Hollywood in Priory Street.

Moves to tackle our couch potato society are being hampered by a lack of effort among our public bodies, the Wales Audit Office warns today.

Scientists have identified genes which increase the risk of bipolar disorder, which may lead to new treatments. The findings, made as part of the largest study into the genetics of common diseases, also offers hope to depression and schizophrenia sufferers.

Campaigners have given a cautious welcome to the First Minister’s announcement that Welsh hospital re-organisation has been put on hold. Some hospitals were due to be closed and services centralised under Labour proposals for “reconfiguration”, a big issue in the assembly election.

More prisons must be built in Wales to combat overcrowding and to enable prisoners to be held closer to home, a new inquiry by MPs has concluded. The report, published on Wednesday by the Welsh Affairs Committee, also highlighted the lack of custodial facilities in north and mid Wales.