1. DWP surveillance bill dropped

A bit of good news as a consequence of the early general election.

Although the government rushed through some of the legislation on the books, the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill was dropped. It had passed all its stages in the Commons and reached the committee stage in the House of Lords, but there was too much opposition there to be sure of driving it through.

This was the law that would have given the DWP extensive new surveillance powers.

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2. No pause on NHS Constitution

Less happily, despite the election, the Department of Health and Social Care will not pause the consultation on the NHS Constitution.

The Patients' Association had requested a pause as election rules prevent departments from publicising consultations, which means fewer people will be aware of it and able to take part.

More information here

3. Gainsborough Gateway

Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms (GSB), Europe's leading manufacturer of power-assisted care baths, has introduced its new added value 'Gainsborough Gateway' to deliver a new standard in service and support.

It is a scheme that all clients qualify for when purchasing a bath from the new Gainsborough Bio range, and it confers some significant advantages.

Find out more here

4. Pensioner's Legal Aid challenge

In 2022, Lynn was violently assaulted, and she is now seeking justice. However, her State Pension puts her just £70 over the ‘disposable income threshold’ for Legal Aid to help with her case.

This means that she and millions of other pensioners are being prevented from accessing the courts.

Lynn is going to the High Court to challenge the Legal Aid regulations, arguing that the threshold is discriminatory against those over the State Pension age.

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5. Highlighting hidden carers

As we make our way through Carers' Week, retired GP and founder of The Carents Room, Jackie Grey, is warning that the NHS is likely to be under increasing pressure from the demands of a hidden army of carers whose mental and physical health is suffering as a result of their caring responsibilities.

Focusing particularly on those taking care of older parents - hence Carents - she calls for more support to help people navigate the complexities of health and social care.

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6. New foaming soap from Nilaqua

Independent Living subscriber Nilaqua - famous for their alcohol-free sanitiser and waterless body wash and shampoo - has added a great new product to their range: nourishing foaming hand soap, which is infused with Vitamin E and has a delicate Wild Meadow fragrance. 

It is suitable for all skin types, and leaves hands feeling clean, soft and nourished.

You can see more details here