Plaistow Murder Probe Launched

A murder investigation has been launched following a death in Plaistow. Police were called out in the early hours of Saturday 16 October regarding a stabbing at the Greengate pub, Barking Road, London. Officers, the London Ambulance Service and the air ambulance attended. The victim was taken to the Royal London Hospital where he was pronounced dead at approx 6.30am. Although formal identification is yet to take place, detectives are satisfied that the deceased is Kevlin Eurie, 26, of East Ham. Next-of-kin have been informed. A post mortem examination held on Saturday 16 October gave cause of death as a stab wound to the abdomen. An Incident Room has opened under Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Hill of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

Revalidation 'Needs More Work', Says BMA

The Chairman of Council at the British Medical Association, has spoken out on the GMC's response to its consultation on revalidation. Dr Hamish Meldrum said: 

"The BMA is pleased that the GMC has responded positively to many of our key concerns. However, as the GMC itself acknowledges, it still needs to work with partner organisations to determine how the stated improvements can be achieved. 

The commitment to a revalidation system that is cost-effective, streamlined, flexible, proportionate and meaningful to all doctors is to be welcomed. But the lack of detail means a significant degree of uncertainty remains, compounded by new challenges presented by the recent White Paper proposals for England.” He continued: “We understand the need for a clear path to implementation but this must not be at the expense of ensuring the process is right and has the confidence of doctors. As such, it is essential that the extended pilots in England are fully evaluated and any issues adequately addressed as part of the ‘test of readiness’, and before any possible launch later in 2012.

 We look forward to continuing to work as part of the UK Revalidation Programme Board to help ensure revalidation delivers the assurances patients and the public deserve as well as the support doctors require to help them continually to improve their practice."

Justice Bill For NI

For the first time in four decades, a new Justice Bill has been published in Northern Ireland. It is 40 years since a Northern Ireland Minister last presented legislation on criminal justice measures to locally elected representatives and now the new measures propose - among other things - that offenders in Northern Ireland will have to contribute towards a fund for the victims of crime under proposals contained in the new Justice Bill. The legislation includes provision for the introduction of an offender levy, the proceeds of which will help to raise money for victims' services. The Bill also includes proposals to expand the use of on-the-spot fines for minor offences, such as disorderly behaviour, breaches of the peace, criminal damage and shoplifting. It is also designed to enhance and improve community safety law. Stormont Justice Minister David Ford of the Alliance party introduced the Bill and said it contains 108 clauses, has seven schedules and when it passes into law, will enhance services to victims through a new offender levy scheme and special measures for vulnerable victims and witnesses.

Tax Credits Claimants To Report Changes

As part of a wider Government crackdown on error and fraud in benefits and credits, tax credit claimants are being reminded to inform HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if a partner moves in or out. Letters will start to land on doorsteps this week asking claimants to contact HMRC if their personal circumstances have changed. Because tax credits are flexible, the amount claimants receive changes as their circumstances change. Failure to tell HMRC promptly of changes can result in overpayment, which means claimants will have to pay back the money they have received. They may also face a penalty and, in cases of deliberate fraud, imprisonment. Some 150,000 or 2.5 per cent of all tax credit claims in 2008/09 were incorrect single claims. David Gauke, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: "There has been too much error and too much fraud for too long in our benefits and tax credits systems. It is unfair, unaffordable and unacceptable. Today we are shining a light on the problem across the system and setting out a radical, cross-Government solution. We simply have to make every penny count – and that includes going after the cheats at every level." The reminder comes as the October tax deadline is just days away.

(BMcN)