New Statesman -

Grey panthers start to growl

Judy Hirst — Mon, 23 Jul 2001 12:00:00 GMT

The government is waking up to the purchasing power and electoral influence of Britain's pensioners. But what of those who are poor as well as old?

They're selling off your council

Judy Hirst — Mon, 26 Mar 2001 12:00:00 GMT

Libraries, leisure centres, home care: such local authority services are being handed over to private firms on an astonishing scale. Judy Hirst reports

Another crumbling public service

Judy Hirst — Mon, 22 Jan 2001 12:00:00 GMT

Do we really need an inquiry into Anna Climbie's death? Judy Hirst argues that we should already know the answers - from 50 or so similar inquiries

In England's wet and windy land

Judy Hirst — Mon, 11 Dec 2000 12:00:00 GMT

Even flooding discriminates socially. As the waters recede, Judy Hirst finds the poor at the back of the queue for future protection

Tell us about your dog litter

Judy Hirst — Mon, 30 Oct 2000 12:00:00 GMT

Fuel protesters and pensioners accuse Tony Blair of not listening. In fact, this government is engaged in more consultation exercises than ever

Children who are not so special after all

Judy Hirst — Mon, 09 Oct 2000 12:00:00 GMT

New Labour wants social inclusion, but seems reluctant to fund special needs education. Is this not a form of segregation?

Care? They don't give a damn

Judy Hirst — Mon, 03 Jul 2000 12:00:00 GMT

The Cinderella social care sector is about to face further upheavals. Once again, the primary purpose is to save money, argues Judy Hirst

Now charity is running the country

Judy Hirst — Mon, 19 Jun 2000 12:00:00 GMT

From after-school clubs to cancer care, public services are increasingly funded by the Lottery and provided, on the cheap, by the voluntary sector

Can we have some jobs, please?

Judy Hirst — Mon, 10 Apr 2000 12:00:00 GMT

Schemes to teach "social skills" multiply at a dizzying rate. But the unemployed know how to chat to their neighbours; what they need is work

And who will wipe your bottom?

Judy Hirst — Mon, 06 Mar 2000 12:00:00 GMT

A year ago, a Royal Commission on old people reported. Ministers did not care for its recommendations. So what happened? Judy Hirst found out