Monday

The Department of Health (DoH) said that it would overhaul the NHS complaints system after a survey by the Patients Association showed that two thirds of patients think it is “cumbersome, variable and takes too long”. The DoH said: “We are introducing a streamlined approach that will remove the need to follow a rigid set of procedures and replace them with a more open, flexible and personal service.” The Government promised to provide free nursery places, pre-school help or childcare for all two-year-olds. There are thought to be 600,000 eligible children. The plan could cost more than £1 billion and take ten years to implement.

Tuesday

Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary, was reported to be ready to relax the ban on patients paying privately for treatment while receiving NHS care – so called co-payments, or top-ups. It would mean wealthy patients could opt to buy drugs considered too expensive to be provided on the NHS. Computer glitches mean that delays to student grants could continue for some time, Jim Knight, the Schools Minister, said. Up to 150,000 students have had their educational maintenance allowances delayed by the glitches and problems with a telephone helpline.

Wednesday

Prescription charges are to be scrapped for cancer patients from April. The step is seen as a prelude to the phasing out of the £7.10 prescription fee for all patients with long-term medical conditions. People aged between 18 and 26 are to be offered free theatre tickets in a move by ministers to encourage a love of the arts. It will cost £2.5 million and has been criticised for not being targeted at the underprivileged.

Thursday

Ed Balls, the Schools Secretary, announced a package of reforms including a pilot trial of free meals at primary schools, a requirement for schools to keep more accurate data on bullying and the formation of independent panels to handle parents’ complaints. It is hoped that offering healthy free food will improve behaviour, cut obesity and promote healthy living.

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