Adult social care
A sticking plaster on social care?
Health secretary Matt Hancock’s social care cash announcement at the Conservative Party conference was overshadowed by the Prime Minister’s housing announcements, but Ann McGauran asks if it goes far enough
Neighbourhood services a 'serious concern'
A new report has highlighted 'serious concerns' over the future quality of neighbourhood services unless councils receive adequate funding in next spring's Spending Review.
Bed blocking focus causing ‘unintended consequences’
Focus must be switched from reducing delays in transfers of care to ensuring community care is fully resourced, care leaders have urged.
Watchdog calls for NHS and care funds to be pooled
Increased social care funding is the only way to relieve pressure on hospitals, local government leaders warned after a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report today found that pressure on A&E departments is increasing due to a lack of integration.
Domestic decisions
Positivity, pragmatism and long term thinking – the latest Tory conference has left local government with a lot to mull over, as Bob Neill describes
Seeing the light on fiscal devolution
Boris Johnson has had an epiphany, according to Heather Jameson. While his Conservative Party conference ‘fringe’ session was dismissed as a bit of a damp squib, he has seen the light on fiscal devolution to councils.
Care cash treats the symptoms not the cause of the crisis
Following Matt Hancock's announcement of extra care cash for care, Dr Jonathan Carr-West says the money is not enough to halt the collapse of the system
Adult social care is 'single largest problem facing local government' - DCN
The adult social care crisis is the ‘single largest problem facing local government services and their financial sustainability’, according to the District Councils’ Network (DCN).
white van man
So the number crunchers have suddenly discovered that our life expectancy has stopped improving for the first time since 1982.
‘Tis the season
As conference season takes shape, LGA chair Lord Porter looks at the critical issues currently facing local government he is hoping will take centre stage
Social care vacancy figures soar
Adult social care vacancies are soaring, according to the sector’s key training organisation.
Whitehall demands in-year cuts to improvement programme
The sector’s ability to respond to crises such as a care provider failure could be hit after Whitehall demanded cuts to a key improvement programme, senior councillors have been warned.
Social work is a special case
If the rubbish bins aren’t collected and pot holes aren’t filled, the public protests will be long and loud, but no protestors would say these should come at the expense of safeguarding children, writes Blair McPherson.
Transfer of care delays due to social care on increase
Bed blocking due to social care increased during the summer, latest figures have shown.
Beyond social care
When it comes to the question of what the public want their tax money spent on, social care is, of course, top of the list, but it’s time for a new funding plan that also provides for other, highly valued neighbourhood services, says Paul O’Brien.
Former ADASS president Pearson to leave council
Nottinghamshire CC’s deputy chief executive, David Pearson, a former president of the Association of Directors of Adult Services, has announced he is leaving the council.
More for less? Residents will be getting less for more
There are no more easy pickings when it comes to cuts and now the cracks in austerity plans are taking their toll, writes Heather Jameson.
Rise of the robots
Recent years have seen an increase in the use of robotics in public services. David Rees outlines some of the latest developments and discusses how they can be deployed ethically and effectively.
A billion ways to help
Shropshire Council is leading the way in the West Midlands in helping solve the health and social care crisis with technology. Andy Begley looks at how ‘the Broseley project’ has helped older residents in particular to improve their lives.
Social care must remain a local service
David Williams says local government must be at the heart of the social care green paper.