in brief

Meals on wheels cut

Social services departments are being forced to cut meals-on-wheels services because of funding difficulties, according to a survey by BBC News and the Association of Directors of Social Services.

More than half of directors said they were having to raise charges for services, with 7% citing meals on wheels as an example. Four out of 10 directors said they had been forced to restrict services, again including meals on wheels.

Hilton go-ahead

Hilton's plans for a four-star hotel in the centre of Manchester have received the go-ahead from the city council. The company will build a 10-storey hotel, at a cost of £45m, as part of the Great Northern shopping and leisure development.

More than 200 new jobs will be created at the 349-bedroom hotel, at the junction of Deansgate and Great Bridgewater Street. But the company has been refused planning permission on a separate bid to extend its hotel at Manchester Airport.

Caterer college call

Caterer & Hotelkeeper is seeking colleges and professionals from all areas of the hospitality industry to take part in a Back to School series, which will assess how well colleges are preparing students to meet the needs of the industry. Fax Amanda Afiya on 020 8652 8793 or write to amanda.afiya@rbi.co.uk.