• A ‘learning disabilities commissioner’ without a learning disability is a waste of time

    Michael Richards, Edge Hill University Calls to appoint a commissioner to look after the interests of people with learning disabilities have been growing louder since the shocking story of Ian Shaw became national news. Shaw, 34, was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year after spending nine years in secure hospitals where his condition wasn’t spotted.…

  • As the TV Election dominates, what are the local issues?

    As the TV Election dominates, what are the local issues?

    The TV election debate is , as to be expected, shaped and defined by the personalities and the ‘incidents’ as interpreted by the media commentators. And, of course, the political leaders (to a greater or lesser extent) play up to this. But at a local level there is another election campaign taking place. It seems…

  • Why we need a different ‘conversation’ before May 7

    Why we need a different ‘conversation’ before May 7

    As the General Election campaign shifts into a different gear – the wall to wall coverage, the on / off TV debates , the post debate analysis and the stage managed events in local high streets for the cameras  – the gap between the politicians and their reference group and the rest of the country…