18 April 2008
East Belfast MP Peter Robinson is to take over from Ian Paisley as Northern Ireland's first minister when Paisley retires in May. Robinson, Paisley's long-time deputy in the Democratic Unionist Party, was unanimously elected by the DUP's 36 Assembly members on April 14, and his appointment is due to be ratified later by the party's executive committee. North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds will become deputy leader. Paisley has led the DUP since its formation in 1971. Robinson has been deputy leader for 28 years, with one short break.
A British Medical Association poll has found that 60% of hospital doctors say they are unable to do their job effectively because of a shortage of office space. The survey found budget cuts and demands from NHS managers for office space had reduced the room available for doctors. Some respondents also said more clinical staff had been appointed to their hospitals when there was nowhere to put them. Dr Jonathan Fielden, chair of the BMA's Consultants Committee, said: 'Many consultants, junior doctors, and staff and associate specialist grade doctors have no office space at all. Doctors handle sensitive information and need space for private conversations with their patients and other staff.'
Winter heating contributions from Britain's energy suppliers for households struggling with rising fuel bills is to triple over the next three years. Energy firms have agreed to boost their collective annual spending on social assistance programmes by £225m over the period. The deal could help lift up to 100,000 households out of fuel poverty and was brokered by Energy Secretary John Hutton. The move followed the Budget announcement that government winter fuel payments for the over-60s would be increased along with attempts to increase the amount suppliers spent on social assistance. Hutton said: 'This is a significant boost to the billions already spent by government and the energy companies and means we can now get this vital extra support to the people who really need it in time for the coldest months this coming winter.'
A national helpline for victims of forced marriage and 'honour'-based violence, run by the Derby-based charity Karma Nirvana, was launched by Home Office minister Vernon Coaker on April 11. The Honour Network will be part funded by the Forced Marriage Unit, a joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Home Office initiative, and will handle 5,000 enquiries and up to 400 cases a year. Coaker said: 'This helpline, run by survivors, for survivors, is a big step in the fight to raise awareness of the issues of forced marriage and honour-based violence and is crucial in giving victims across the country the confidence to come forward.'
The majority of UK pensioners have only modest incomes, with 62% of couples living on less than £10,000 per year, according to the Office for National Statistics' Pensions trends survey. Published on April 14, it also found pensioners rely far more on the state pension and related benefits, such as pension credit, than on private and occupational pensions. The average pensioner couple receives £7,296 in state benefits and just £ 2,115 from private provision. The average single man receives £5,359 from the state and £1,553 from private pensions, while for single women the figures are £5,496 and £1,238 respectively. A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said: 'The government] has lifted more than a million pensioners out of poverty by targeting help to those who need it most.'
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