Other News In Brief

Man Shot Dead In London

A man in his 20s has been shot dead in north London. Police were called to Tottenham High Road in Haringey just after 1am, where they found the man suffering from gunshot wounds. The man was taken to hospital, but died shortly after arriving there. He has not been named. No-one has been arrested in connection with the incident, Metropolitan Police said. A post-mortem examination is due to take place. The killing is being investigated by officers from Operation Trident, which deals with gun crime in London's black community.

Two Arrested After Body Found

Police are appealing for witnesses after the body of a woman was found at a property in Hampshire. Officers were called to an address in Northern Parade, in the Hilsea area of Portsmouth, just before 11am. Police have not yet formally identified the woman but officers from the major crime department are investigating. The circumstances of the death were being treated as "unexplained" on Thursday night. Two men have been arrested.

£1bn Cashflow Boost To Business

The Business Payment Support service (BPSS) announced by the Chancellor in November’s Pre-Budget Report provides a fast track service that offers support to businesses needing more time to pay their tax bills.These businesses can quickly agree terms they can afford with HMRC over the phone. The Right Honourable Stephen Timms, Financial Secretary to the Treasury said: "I'm delighted that HMRC’s Business Payment Support Service is proving such a huge success, already providing a cashflow boost worth over a billion pounds to UK businesses. This service is delivering the kind of tangible support that business needs at this time. I would urge any business anticipating or experiencing difficulties paying their tax to call the helpline and get a quick response tailored to their specific needs."

Marie Curie Chief Exec to Chair End of Life Board

The Chief Executive of Marie Curie Cancer Care, Thomas Hughes-Hallett, will head up the expert panel on end of life care, Care Services Minister Phil Hope announced yesterday. Mr Hughes-Hallett, will chair of the Department of Health's End of Life Care Implementation Advisory Board, which is being set up to help improve the quality of care people receive at the end of their lives. The advisory board, which will be made up of stakeholders who were closely involved in the development of the end of life care strategy, will meet twice a year. Professor Mike Richards, National Director for Cancer and End of Life Care, will continue to provide national leadership to the implementation of the strategy. As part of this role he will deliver annual progress reports. Under the leadership of Mr Hughes-Hallett, the advisory board will provide key input into the progress reports, as well as informing the future direction of the department's work on end of life care.

(JM/BMcC)