18 h. ago Households told to put one £1.20 kitchen item in plant pots before adding soil

This common household kitchen item is the perfect item for your plant pots, by also helping you take care of your plants in a more environmentally-friendly way.

Economics

54 h. ago Parenting in the climate crisis: how to raise kids who care about the environment

From acknowledging big emotions to finding ways to make climate action fun, it’s important to start where your kids areChange by Degrees offers life hacks and sustainable living tips each Saturday to help reduce your household’s carbon footprintGot a question or tip for reducing household emissions? Email us at changebydegrees@theguardian.comAlthough it’s unfair, it’s young people (and the generations to come) who will have to deal with fallout from the climate crisis. So how do you talk to young people about living sustainably and raise knowledgeable kids who care about the future of the planet?Here are some tips for engaging the next generation on the environment meaningfully. Continue reading...

Society

60 h. ago Dumfries and Galloway Council set to pay nearly £9.5 million for private residential children's care

A lack of capacity means some young people are currently being placed hundreds of miles away in the north of Scotland.

Economics

60 h. ago Residents of tiny Dumfries and Galloway village fear 'catastrophic' impact of children's care home

CareTec are aiming to turn a home in Milton near Crocketford into a children’s residential care home.

Society

2 d. ago Government promises quicker A&E times under plan to help end corridor care

A&E league tables will be published to drive up performance, according to the new plan for emergency care.

Politics

2 d. ago Labour reveals major NHS plan to FINALLY cut A&E and ambulance wait times

NHS plan to tackle 'corridor care’ with 55 new clinics and 486 new ambulances - see how many your region will get

Sport

3 d. ago First Minister says plans to downgrade Wishaw neonatal unit are “not about saving money”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the plans for the neonatal intensive care unit (Nicu) at University Hospital Wishaw show the NHS is “simply not safe in John Swinney’s hands”.

Politics

8 d. ago 'My neighbours hate me... but I don't care!': Woman at war with whole village over her 'HS2 tunnel' house wins bitter planning battle

EXCLUSIVE: A farmer whose controversial new Teletubby-style eco home caused her own tight-knit village to ostracize her for 'bringing HS2' to their idyll has finally won her planning battle.

Events

8 d. ago More than €1bn in EU funds used in discriminatory projects, report says

Examples from six countries include segregated housing for Roma and holding centres for asylum seekersHundreds of millions in European Union funds have been used in projects that violate the rights of marginalised communities, a report alleges, citing initiatives such as segregated housing for Roma, residential institutions for children with disabilities and holding centres for asylum seekers.The report, based on information compiled by eight NGOs from across Europe, looks at 63 projects in six countries. Together these projects are believed to have received more than €1bn in funding from the European Union, laying bare a seemingly “low understanding” of fundamental rights across the bloc, according to one of the authors of the EU-funded report. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Can the council make me sell my mother's bungalow to pay for care?

My mother may need sheltered housing in future. Could the council make me sell her bungalow, currently held in trust, to fund her care needs?

Politics

2 w. ago Children with special educational needs at risk of losing school support

Thousands of pupils could be forced out of mainstream education if the government scraps education, health and care plans (EHCPs), campaigners say

Events

2 w. ago Children with special educational needs at risk of losing legal right to school support

Thousands of pupils could be forced out of mainstream education if the government scraps education, health and care plans (EHCPs), campaigners have warned

Events

2 w. ago Children with special needs in England may lose legal right to school support

Exclusive: Schools minister declines to rule out replacing EHCP documents as part of plans to change Send systemHundreds of thousands of children with special needs could lose their legal entitlement to extra support in schools in England under plans being considered by ministers, a move that campaigners warn could force thousands more pupils out of mainstream education.The reforms relate to education, health and care plans (EHCPs), statutory documents families have relied on for more than a decade to guarantee their children’s right to support for conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and mental health issues. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Gardeners urged to check underside of leaves immediately in May

As your plants begin to bloom this spring, experts warn to take care when checking your plant's leaves - you could be in a for a nasty shock that risks destroying your garden

Politics

2 w. ago Gardening expert names 'perfect' time to prune lavender so it blooms brilliantly

Lavender is a popular and easy-to-care-for plant that is a favourite in gardens across the UK - but it's important to know the right time to prune it to ensure it flowers beautifully

Science

2 w. ago New mayor urges new focus on 'care for people, health and the planet'

Jane is only second LibDem mayor in borough since turn of the century|

Science

3 w. ago South Ayrshire care chiefs play down impact of UK Government's overseas care ban announcement

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the plan to end visas for overseas care workers.

Politics

3 w. ago Nurses, universities and some Labour MPs criticise Government's new immigration rules

The GMB union said plans to scrap care visas could be ‘catastrophic’ for the sector

Politics

4 w. ago Industry and union attack plans to ban overseas care worker recruitment

Care England has labelled the change a ‘crushing blow to an already fragile sector’.

Events

4 w. ago 'Absolute folly': John Swinney slams plans to overhaul immigration and axe care worker visas

The Labour UK government is to set out its plans on immigration, including ending care worker visas and reducing low-skilled visas.

Economics