Monday

Cheap drink promotions such as happy hours could be banned, because police forces are diverting resources into alcohol-related crime to the detriment of combating other offences, the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee said. Changes to licensing laws in 2005 have resulted in a 25 per cent increase in serious violent crimes between 3am and 6am, the report on policing found.

Up to four households in ten are on waiting lists for council housing in some parts of England, according to a survey by the Local Government Association. An increase in people applying for social housing over the past five years is partly caused by demographic changes, immigration and more people living alone.

Tuesday

Nine areas in England are to become “healthy towns” under a plan by ministers to combat obesity. Councils in Dudley, Halifax, Sheffield, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Thetford, Tewkesbury, Portsmouth and the London borough of Tower Hamlets will share a total of £30 million to help to improve the health of their local populations, through schemes related to cycling, walking, healthy eating and green spaces.

Wednesday

A nationwide review of child protection was ordered after the case of Baby P, who endured a series of brutal injuries despite 60 visits by health professionals. Social workers at Haringey Council were duped by the child’s mother into believing that his injuries were accidental. A two-week inquiry into the council’s failings has also been ordered.

White, working-class children need more attention and resources at school because they perform worse academically than almost any other group, research by the National Union of Teachers and the National College for School Leadership found. Only travellers’ children fare worse.

Thursday

Students could be able to enrol in universities at any time of the year, after a radical review of higher education ordered by the Government. Under the proprosals, students’ performances would also receive “report cards” as an alternative to the current classification of first, 2.1 or 2.2 degrees and they would be offered more flexible teaching via the internet.

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