Blizzard Brits told to get shovelling
Transport Minister Philip Hammond is calling on people to start clearing snow-covered roads and pavements not treated by councils. Freezing weather is set to return across the UK next week.
Star p9, Mirror p15, Telegraph p2, Sun p28, Mail p11Public sector staff work less for more
Figures from the Office of National Statistics show public sector workers earn more than the private sector and do nearly two hours less work a week.
Mail p10“Act now or Green Deal will give cowboys builders licence to botch”
A government scheme designed to boost energy efficiency in millions of homes threatens to create a honeypot for rogue builders, according to Consumer Watch. The Green Deal will encourage homeowners to equip their properties with up to £6,000 of insulation, draft-proofing and other energy efficiency measures, which they will pay for through a levy on their energy bill.
Times p61Schools unable to ban nativity photos
The Information Commissioner said yesterday schools trying to ban parents from taking photos of their child’s school play do not have the law on their side.
Mail p33Addicts will keep benefits
Drug addicts will keep their benefits provided they are looking for work, the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed. Addicts who ask for treatment will receive extra support to help them beat their habit.
Sun p2Rogue trade
A rag rogue trader lived a millionaire lifestyle thanks to a fake designer labels scam. Amit Sharma made more than £1 million selling counterfeit clothes on eBay before he was caught by Trafford Council’s Trading Standards team and jailed for 21 months. Councillor John Reilly is quoted: “The loss of his liberty shows the seriousness of his crime.”
Star p34, Express p27, Mail p43

Brothers in court over Winter Wonderland lie
Two brothers earned £1.2 million from a Christmas Winter Wonderland which promised a “magical” experience, but treated customers to a muddy field and broken attractions, a court heard. Dorset County Council’s trading standards team began investigating after complaints were received from day one of opening.
Telegraph p19, Guardian p21, Independent p14

Crackers banned? You’re pulling our leg
Shop cashiers could be jailed for selling Christmas crackers to under-16s because EU-imposed legislation has deemed them category one fireworks. Retailers have asked council trading standards teams to enforce the rules, though Prime Minister David Cameron has vowed to scrap the “absurd” measures.
Express p3, Mail p29

Mum at war with carers dies in wheelchair.
A paralysed former nurse was found dead in her filthy wheelchair wearing the same clothes she had worn on her final visit by Sheffield City Council carers three years earlier, an inquest heard. The coroner was told professional help for 45-year-old Angela Wright was withdrawn because she was in dispute with social services.
Express p15

Baby P chief can’t find new job
The former head of children’s services at Haringey Council, who was in charge when Baby P died, says she cannot find a new job. Sharon Shoesmith claims she has been subjected to a “lynch mob” since the story became public.
Sun p8   Guardian
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