Adult social care
Fighting fit in Stockport
It may be testing times for councils, but Stockport MBC is pulling out the stops to ensure its residents of all ages stay healthy, happy – and independent, says Cllr Mark Hunter.
Adult social care demand reaches unprecedented high
The King’s Fund’s annual social care report published today found adult care requests hit a record high of two million while costs for councils have outstripped inflation.
Deprivation of Liberty backlog 'may never be eradicated'
A report has called for councils to get more resources to tackle the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) backlog.
Local investment can reap national rewards
Sir Bob Neill feels the Budget was an opportunity to provide financial aid for councils, which in turn will help the Government deliver national policies – but has the chancellor taken the chance?
Taking a global approach to adult social care recruitment in the West Midlands
Paul Lowes from West Midlands Employers writes about the collaborative initiative to improve international recruitment, retention and quality within the adult social care sector across the West Midlands, through shared learnings and the power of collective communities working together.
Taking a risk-based approach to the switch to digital
Robert Turnbull of PA Consulting explains why a risk-based approach is key in the UK’s transition to a digital telephone system.
Working with Government can deliver real dividends
Collaboration with Government can achieve real results for communities and councils should not be afraid of embracing productivity, says Cllr Kevin Bentley.
Don’t just ‘hope’ for change
Matthew Taylor argues change in the healthcare system needs to come from the bottom up as well as top down, regardless of who wins the next General Election.
Sunderland care workers in equal pay dispute
Female care workers in Sunderland are taking legal action against the city council in a row over equal pay.
Funding announcement timing angers MPs
A ministerial statement revealing councils would receive an additional £500m for adult social care was released while the Public Accounts Committee was holding an evidence session on the subject.
Reaching out to residents
Wiltshire Council set up a reablement service to support its growing older population. Helen Henderson shares insights into what has been learned with other local authorities who face similar demands.
Growing pressures see care providers close services
A new report has found 43% of care providers closed services or handed back contracts last year in response to growing financial and workforce pressures.
A huge year – but will local government’s voice be heard?
'While politicians are holding the line – that councils have plenty of cash and financial failure equals poor management – there are indications that they know it’s not so clear cut', says Heather Jameson.
Autumn’s big Statement
Sir Bob Neill welcomes the Autumn Statement’s response to councils’ calls for action on the Local Housing Allowance but is concerned by what little there was on adult social care and looked-after children.
An invite to our free virtual Local Government AI Summit
The Local Government AI Summit on 18 January will showcase innovation and feature practical sessions on AI applications, governance and supplier insights. Dr Claire Darwin invites registrations.
Fears over digital switchover costs
Councils face multi-million pound bills as a result of the digital switchover of the telephone system.
The task of the leader is to convince people it’s possible
Blair Mcpherson pays tribute to the progress that can be made if a team has a project leader who focuses on light intervention, a listening ear and a positive attitude.
Manchester leads list for local government in New Year honours
The chief executives of both Manchester City Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have been recognised in the New Year Honours List.
Government admits councils spending 75% of budgets on adult social care
A Government minister has admitted around three quarters of council budgets are now being spent on adult social care and this was ‘not a good situation’.
ADASS joint chief executive appointed
The Association for Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has announced that Anna Hemmings has been appointed as its new joint chief executive.