Daily News Headlines 22 February 2012

Elderly ignored and treated as 'objects' in care system
NHS nurses and care workers should sign up to a new code of conduct which guarantees elderly patients are treated with dignity and respect and not simply treated as 'objects', a coalition of politicians, regulators and charities declares today. Pensioners in the care system are repeatedly being prevented from making up their own minds, denied treatment on the basis of their age, spoken down to and denied their privacy, they warn.
Telegraph p1, 2 & 21, Mail p4

Pickles serves up harmony on a platter
A 'big lunch' with neighbours was put at the heart of the Government's drive to promote integration among those from different races and beliefs. Mr Pickles has also suggested a national community music day in September. The strategy also pledges a new drive to tackle anti-extremism, including the creation of a working group on anti-Muslim hate crime.
Times p6, Guardian p8, FT p2

Local government workforce in pay difficulty
A report from the New Policy Institute has warned that low-paid workers are facing financial difficulty – with inflation having cut the real value of wages by 13 per cent. The report went on to say that the Government's promise of a raise of £250 for workers earning below £21,000 had not transpired.
Mirror p4

Think-tank calls on state schools to be run for profit
The right wing think-tank Policy Exchange has said that teachers should be encouraged to take a stake in John Lewis-style partnerships to run state schools for profit. Under a social enterprise model, employees would be able to have a share of ownership, while a portion of profit would be reinvested into the school. The Department for Education said there were "no plans" to allow profit making in state schools.
Guardian p2

PM defends wind farms
In response to an open letter from 100 MPs, David Cameron has defended wind farms, saying that there were "perfectly hard-headed reasons" for building more wind farms onshore, although he did express sympathy for local residents' concerns.
Guardian p8, Mail p10, Telegraph p2

Baby P social worker appeals
Sharon Shoesmith, the former children's services director at Haringey Council, has given her support to two of Baby P's social workers as they launched an appeal against an employment tribunal ruling that they were fairly sacked by the authority. She joined Gillie Christou and Maria Ward at the Employment Appeal Tribunal hearing as lawyers for both social workers began an attempt to overturn the judgment.
Sun p10, Mirror p20

‘Don't ban bad kids'
Schools should not automatically suspend pupils even if they are violent, racist or take drugs, council chiefs claim. Officials at Southend Council want teachers to use "alternative deterrents", such as isolation units. Head of School Support Jane Theadon said: "A day out of school is a day less for learning."
Sun p24

Head teacher cleared over claims of violently restraining pupils
A former head teacher has described how his career was left in tatters after he was forced out of his job over false claims that he assaulted pupils. Paul Sunners faced a three-year ordeal while he was investigated by police, child abuse workers and Swindon Council over allegations that he used inappropriate force to restrain misbehaving children. A council spokesman said: "The protection of children is our first priority and the council acted entirely correctly in suspending staff at Nyland School following the very serious allegations that were made."
Telegraph p10

Council seeking to ensure safety during Jubilee celebrations
Essex County Council has asked for structural surveys on every building before Jubilee parties can get the go-ahead. Local campaigners have complained about the need for proper health and safety checks to be put in place. Cllr Tracey Chapman, who oversees highways at Essex, commented: "the council has a duty to maintain public safety" but that it would "make it as easy as possible for residents to celebrate."
Express p7, Telegraph p4, Mail p23

'Charity muggers' banned from collecting in town most of the week
Charities have been told they can only collect on Tuesday and Thursdays in Burnley town centre, following complaints from shoppers and traders. The restrictions against the collectors, dubbed 'charity muggers' or 'chuggers' because of their often aggressive tactics, follows a joint agreement between Burnley Council, Burnley Chamber of Trade and the Public Fund Raising Association.
Telegraph p8

Metal thieves lift half a mile of iron covers
Metal thieves removed the drain covers from a half-mile stretch of rural road near Sutton Coldfield. Contractors for Birmingham City Council are replacing the covers with plastic substitutes to deter further theft.
Telegraph p14

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22 February 2012