Long reads Grey panthers start to growl The government is waking up to the purchasing power and electoral influence of Britain's pensioners. By Judy Hirst
Children who are not so special after all New Labour wants social inclusion, but seems reluctant to fund special needs education. Is this not By Judy Hirst
Care? They don’t give a damn The Cinderella social care sector is about to face further upheavals. Once again, the primary purpos By Judy Hirst
Now charity is running the country From after-school clubs to cancer care, public services are increasingly funded by the Lottery and p By Judy Hirst
Can we have some jobs, please? Schemes to teach "social skills" multiply at a dizzying rate. But the unemployed know how to chat to By Judy Hirst
And who will wipe your bottom? A year ago, a Royal Commission on old people reported. Ministers did not care for its recommendation By Judy Hirst
Have our kids gone mad? The affluent society, say some experts, has led to mental illness in one in five children. Judy Hirs By Judy Hirst