Work has started to build a £1.9m arts centre in Bradford for young actors with disabilities. Theatre company Mind the Gap is working with Bradford Council to set up its new headquarters in part of Listers Mill, which is currently being regenerated. Formed in 1988, Mind the Gap is one of the UK's leading theatre companies for learning-disabled actors. The Arts Council donated £1.25m towards the cost of the centre, which is expected to open in July.
Families with disabled children in Nottingham are getting more support with more than £7m of government cash. The money will be used over the next three years to provide short holidays for the youngsters - also giving their parents or carers a valuable break. It also means community-based services can be implemented more quickly.
We are entering a new era for public sector reform. Labour's approach - more money and more central control - has reached its limits. 10 years of investment have helped improve our NHS from the desperate state of 1997, after decades of Conservative neglect, but it still isn't good enough.
Local MP Tim Farron spent the night sleeping rough last Saturday for the Manna House charity which provides those in need of housing with educational and social support, as well as assisting them with finding a place to live. Mr Farron joined representatives from the charity including some who in the past had been rough sleepers for real, at Kendal Castle which overlooks the town.
New figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that the Government is spending £459 per night every time a police cell is used to house a prisoner, more than the Government's own estimate of £385, and more than a week-long stay in a Canary Island holiday villa. The statistics, revealed in a parliamentary answer to Lib Dem Justice Spokesperson, Jenny Willott, show how much each police force invoiced the Ministry of Justice for costs incurred under 'Operation Safeguard' - the Government's contingency plan to deal with prison overcrowding. Last year, 60, 953 prisoners were housed in police cells under Operation Safeguard at a total cost of £28m.
Shepway Council Leader Robert Bliss has announced that Cllr Carole Waters is rejoining the Shepway Cabinet with immediate effect as District Secretary for Regeneration, Sport & Culture. The cabinet of 7 was increased by the new Conservative administration to 10 in May 2007 at a cost of around £25,000 a year in expenses to Shepway tax payers.
