The parents of an eight-year-old girl with cerebral palsy have raised the money needed to send her to China for a revolutionary new treatment. Kishor and Priti Tahiliani, from Bournemouth in Dorset, want to take Vaishnavi to Beijing to have stem cells injected into her spinal cord. They needed to raise £18,000 for two months of the treatment, which is not available in the UK.
A former lord mayor of Bristol who has osteoarthritis has criticised the city council for not granting her a parking permit for disabled people. Councillor Brenda Hugill applied for a Blue Badge because she suffers severe knee pain and has difficulty walking. But she said she was told her condition did not entitle her to a pass.
Commenting on today's Government announcement of extra funding to help families with disabled children, Liberal Democrat Children and Family Spokesperson, Annette Brooke MP said:
The complex system of checks and balances which has made the crowded parts of England bearable for the past 60 years is set to be dismantled by the Government.
Ahead of the publication of the Government's energy white paper, the Liberal Democrats are urging the Government to reject nuclear power and adopt radical plans for increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing overall energy use.
Gaining permission for major building projects such as airport terminals and power stations would become quicker under government plans. Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly wants to replace large planning inquiries in England with an independent commission. The planning white paper also suggests minor projects like conservatories and home extensions should no longer need planning permission where there is little impact on neighbours.