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There are serious concerns about what impact an even further reduced rural transport service could have on people in Leicestershire. It comes as we look ahead to the Government's financial settlement with Leicestershire County Council. Later this month, Whitehall will reveal the Council's budget for next year, outlining what the authority has - or doesn't have - to spend. And while no new decisions have been taken yet, the lead councillor for finance at County Hall Byron Rhodes has made some gloomy predictions for what it could mean for our services in the worst case scenario.
Also, a report out today says religion could play less of a part in public life, and amongst other things recommends getting rid of the law requiring a daily act of worship in schools. The report by the Woolf Institute is the first of its kind to review public policy on religion and belief and over 2 years talked to religious leaders and policy makers. The commission also calls for children to be better taught about the role religious faith plays in today's world.
And, coming to terms with the diagnosis of a life limiting illness can take time and it can be an isolating experience. Hospice Hope, a charity based in North West Leicestershire has set up a chain of pop-up cafes where patients and carers can relax, share advice and support one another. They've run in Ashby and Coalville for a while now with great success and recently opened in Ibstock at the Methodist Church on Melbourne Road on Tuesday afternoons. Jo popped along last week and met up with the Chair of Hospice Hope, Stewart Shepherd.