Beacon awards for learning difficulties

Four local authorities have been awarded beacon status for their work with people with learning difficulties.

Greenwich, Norfolk, Rotherham and Wiltshire (with Wiltshire People First) received the accolade this week as the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister announced the winners in round seven of the beacon scheme.

Telford and Wrekin Council was awarded beacon status in the early intervention (children at risk) and culture and sport for hard-to-reach groups categories, adding to its award last year for integrated children’s services.

York, Tower Hamlets and Shropshire councils were among other winners for early intervention.

The beacon awards, run by the ODPM and the Improvement and Development Agency, aim to highlight good practice in local government.

Themes for round eight of the scheme include preventing and tackling antisocial behaviour.