Adult social care
Budgeting in volatile times
As we transition to a post-COVID world, councils are going to have to ‘learn quickly in real time’ how to handle levels of demand and price volatility never seen before in the sector, says Gary Fielding.
Care for life
Claims the Government put a protective shield around care homes were ‘complete nonsense,’ according to Dominic Cummings. Martin Green says the focus being on the NHS ‘wreaked havoc, destruction and sadly many avoidable deaths’.
Reflection on the year gone for iESE and the challenges ahead
Chief executive of iESE Dr Andrew Larner looks back on an unusual year, and highlights the creation of the next generation of care records management as a significant task for the year ahead.
Playing it long
A Localis policy webinar on long-term local government finances indicated strategic pragmatism will be order of the day for the sector until the mid-2020s, writes Jonathan Werran.
Central Government must get its house in order
As local authorities battle with COVID and a clutch of other crises – all with no long-term funding clarity – Government is distracted with a mixture of the big picture and the trivial, says Heather Jameson.
Sir Andrew Dilnot is upbeat on reform to social care
Author of the landmark 2011 review into social care funding Sir Andrew Dilnot is upbeat about the chances of reform to the system - saying he is ‘hopeful, and I don’t think I’m being Pollyanna-ish’.
Where has the care gone?
Social care is in an even more precarious position that ever. But the Queen’s Speech lacked the ‘clear plan’ promised by the Prime Minister nearly two years ago. Ann McGauran reports.
Let's continue to open national politicians’ and civil servants’ eyes to the potential of local government
Writing in advance of the Queen's Speech, Graeme McDonald wondered if it would set up a new relationship between Whitehall and councils. or leave local government fighting for relevance within a Westminster-imposed straightjacket.
Queen's Speech: No social care solution in sight
The Queen’s Speech has said proposals on social care reform will be brought forward – but it fell short of a commitment to legislation in this Parliament.
Queen's Speech: No funding pledge on social care reform
The Queen’s Speech fell short of including a social care Bill and there was no pledge on funding.
Unfinished business
With the public finances in an ‘astonishingly difficult’ position, will the Government prioritise the investment needed to ensure a long-term future for social care - and what is its vision? Ann McGauran reports from the ADASS spring seminar.
The Homeshare Model: simultaneously impacting housing and social care
The Homeshare model has a valuable impact on housing and social care, including supporting older people to live independently for longer, says Amanda Clarke.
Will COVID be the catalyst for change?
Simon Bottery argues there is overwhelming evidence to show that people ‘want a better, fairer social care system – and COVID-19 has brutally exposed the failings of the current one’. Will this tip the balance towards reform?
Seize the reins
The County Councils Network's new business plan for recovery and renewal puts forward evidence-based practical proposals to influence the Government's key agendas across six clear priorities, says Simon Edwards.
Councils face rise in demand for short-term care
Councils have faced a 7% rise in demand for short-term support in the last four years and are dealing with an increase in new care requests from younger people, says a new report.
A Beveridge-sized challenge for local government
Michael Burton says planning for the aftermath of the pandemic 'need not wait until the number of cases is in single figures just as Beveridge did not wait for the guns to fall silent before planning the welfare state'.
A tale of two Budgets?
While the Budget delivered an economic quick fix, critics have highlighted its silence on support for public services and rising inequality, and a ‘scattergun’ approach to levelling up. Heather Jameson reports.
Plenty of reasons to be cheerful in the health and care White Paper
Cllr David Fothergill says while many of the 2012 health reforms will now be unwound, local government's responsibility for public health should be the one that remains untouched.
Starting from the wrong place?
The first White Paper on NHS reform in nearly a decade confirms England will be covered by statutory integrated care systems. Ann McGauran canvasses local government sector experts on the contents.
Social care should remain delivered by councils, says report
Tens of thousands of people could live more independent lives if councils keep hold of social care under government plans to overhaul health services, a new report has insisted.
