The 'fundamental legal aid review proposed by the new government is in fact, Ministers tell us, a 'policy assessment'. Please don't use the 'R' word! It is to be a desk exercise during the summer, involving a look at recent research findings and evidence and resulting in a consultation paper in 'early autumn'. Not surprisingly, the primary aim will be to identify how to reconcile legal aid with the need for the Ministry of Justice to make 25 per cent savings. It will look at such fundamental issues as eligibility, scope, market reform, reducing bureaucracy, how legal aid systems work in other jurisdictions and other course of funding.

More than eight out of 10 people with debt problems say their financial difficulties are having a negative effect on their lives, jeopardising their personal relationships, health and ability to carry out their jobs, according to a debt counselling charity.

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) found that debt problems had adversely affected the relationships that 37% of the 372 clients surveyed have with their partners, and 22% with their children.

After working at a Remploy sheltered factory for 15 years, Iain Muir now earns a market wage as a forklift driver at an East Kilbride warehouse. His profound deafness presents challenges, but nothing that cannot be overcome with support, understanding and a little sign language.

Muir, 50, is a full and valued member of staff at the Furnishing Service, a company supplying furniture and fittings to councils and housing associations across Britain. His experience shows that, given the opportunity, disabled people can cope perfectly well in "open" employment.