The Daily Telegraph reports that a debate on the Big Society at the Church of England General Synod on Tuesday will be led by the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, the Bishop of Leicester. He will argue that benefit cuts threaten the positive elements of the Big Society and that the Housing Benefit changes could lead to the creation of ‘Townships’ – like those of South Africe under Apartheid.

Chris Smith, the Chairman of the Environment Agency, reveals in the Observer that flood defence spending faces an immediate cut of 27% at a time when climate change will mean that this work is more necessary than ever.

The Observer reports disquiet in the Cabinet about the government’s plans to axe Schools Sports Partnerships to save £162m. Nick Clegg and Andrew Lansley are both said to be concerned. (For background see our report last month)

Community Care reports that social care staff account for 5% of all workers but 19% of workers who have been the victims of assault. Other sectors with a high risk of of assault were health (30% of all work-related injuries caused by assault) and public administration (20%).