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The week

E-procurement champion fights for action

Veera Johnson, Asian Businesswoman of the Year, believes online markets such as hers can save public money

Are teachers’ qualifications good enough?

The Conservatives want teachers to have B grades in GCSE maths and English and a 2:2 degree

Chancellor: no renegotiation of public sector pay

Trade unions have insisted that public-sector workers should not be punished for the failings of the private sector

Green police set to patrol pollution beat

The boys in green are coming as the Environment Agency sets up a squad to police companies generating excessive CO2 emissions

Lenders torpedo £12 billion defence training

A £12 billion defence training programme may not get off the ground as the contractor struggles to obtain funds from banks

Hope has faith in future of long-term care

The minister in charge of the latest Green Paper on care for the elderly is focusing on how it is funded

Jobless need easy access to opportunities

In recessions, out-of-work people can return to employment, but the speed with which they are given a path back matters

Co-ordinated effort can realise energy targets

The UK needs to bring together private and public sectors at local level to use smart infrastructure to cut emissions

Does the NHS suppress whistleblowers?

Doctors claim that concerns over malpractice frequently go ignored or unheard by senior staff in the health service

The week

Postal workers to strike despite delay to reforms

Postal workers across London prepare to strike next week as minister confirms sale of stake has been scrapped

Trust councils to restore the shine to politics

Margaret Eaton on opportunity in a crisis

A new beginning in Croydon

Nick Gordon on moving into a council house

Whittling down council waiting lists

Is social housing on the increase?

Letter from conference

A message from the LGA’s leaders in Harrogate

Taking the rough with the smooth

A day in the life of a social worker

Michael Parkinson: We need dignity in care

Adults in social care require dignity and respect