Minister criticises college that refused to admit convicted teenager

Minister criticises college that refused to admit convicted teenager

A government minister yesterday criticised a medical school for withdrawing an offer to an A-grade student from one of the poorest areas of the country because of a burglary conviction.
Bill Rammell, minister at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said universities should be open to applicants such as Majid Ahmed.

The Guardian revealed this week that Ahmed, 18, from Little Horton in Bradford, had his offer from Imperial College London withdrawn because he had been convicted of a minor burglary in 2005.
Read more on this story in The Guardian

Revitalised hostel takes a fresh approach to homelessness

Hostels for the homeless are notoriously grim places and Jamaica Street in Bristol has been no exception. For years, residents have only been trusted to talk to staff through intercoms and thick, protective glass.

Since the end of May, homeless people in Bristol have experienced the transformation of the old hostel. Jamaica Street has been refurbished and rebranded as The Compass Centre. The protective windows have gone. The foyer now has wooden laminate flooring, department store tables and chairs and potted plants.

Read more on this story in The Guardian

Johnson deputy faces inquiry over alleged financial wrongdoing

Boris Johnson, London mayor, launched an independent inquiry last night into allegations of financial irregularities and inappropriate behaviour against his deputy mayor, Ray Lewis. Lewis leads on youth issues for Johnson and runs the Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy in Newham, east London.

The Anglican diocese of Chelmsford, which covers Essex and east London, yesterday confirmed that allegations were first made against Lewis when he worked as a priest in east London in the late 1990s. Johnson’s spokesman emphasised yesterday that no criminal action was taken.

Read more on this story in The Guardian