Funding
NCASC: 'Watch this space' on spiralling cost of children's placements
The sector should ‘watch this space’ for an announcement from the Government on the spiralling costs of private placements for children, a minister said today.
Labour must 'grasp the nettle' early on social care costs
Labour will ‘have to grasp the nettle fairly early on’ if it wins the General Election about the long-term funding of social care, shadow minister Andrew Gwynne has said.
NCASC: Sector 'slow in making strong case to Treasury for social care cash'
The sector has been slow in making a robust case for social care funding from the Treasury, says president of ADASS Beverley Tarka.
NCASC: Government must make 'some difficult decisions' on children's services
The Government must make ‘some difficult decisions’ if it is ‘not able or willing’ to provide funding to meet the financial pressures in children’s services, the Association of Directors of Children’s Services has said.
Making sure accountancy stays rewarding and exciting
'Technology and social value are with us now, but we are reacting, not leading. We need to start planning to use it to retain and attract talent', says Michael Hudson.
Dealing with the issues of isolation
Natasha Langleben questions how many councils know how to apply to the Accelerating Reform Fund for Adult Social Care and asks if a portal promoting partnerships would help boost grant applications.
Social care’s new dawn
There are signs Whitehall is now starting to ‘get’ prevention and how to support people to stay out of hospital and residential care, says Beverley Tarka.
Innovation keeps the wheels on social care
With no prospects of long-term funding solutions, social care teams are having to focus on creative initiatives and partnership working – and the Autumn Statement has added to the pressure. Paul Marinko reports.
Fulfilling a crucial role for children
As directors of children’s services prepare to attend the National Children and Adult Services Conference, Ann McGauran assesses the challenges and rewards of this important role
True collaboration will be key to the success of devo in Surrey
Cllr Tim Oliver says Surrey CC is looking forward to working with the Government and local partners to ensure all residents can feel the benefit of a Level 2 County Deal.
Autumn Statement: public services bear brunt of tight spending plans
Jeff Matsu fears the Autumn Statement paints a picture of a chancellor trading up investment in public services for quick wins rather than committing to longer-lasting systems of reform.
Autumn Statement: Level 4 devolution unveiled
More powers will be offered to areas with a level 3 devolution deal, the Government has announced as part of the Autumn Statement.
Autumn Statement: Councils to be able to recover planning costs
Councils will be able to recover the costs of business planning applications in return for being required to meet faster timelines, Chancellor says.
Southampton in informal talks with Government for support
Southampton City Council has been in ‘informal contact’ with the Government over a capitalisation direction as it attempts to avoid a s114 notice.
Fixing a broken PWLB
The Public Works Loan Board-anchored system of council capital funding is broken, say David Marlow and Andy Pike.
Why not open up better channels with your parish colleagues in 2024?
The parish and principal council sectors need to work much better together to ensure the best possible outcomes for residents, writes Mark Smith.
Right place and time for change
Despite more than a decade of austerity and no end in sight, local authorities do have the power to get wealth flowing more directly to residents, and many are doing so, writes Sarah Longlands.
Putting RAAC front of mind
With a shake up in the Cabinet, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) cannot slip down the agenda, and the problem isn’t contained to schools and hospitals, says Mark Robinson.
Levelling Up Fund allocated
The third round of the Levelling Up Fund has been awarded to unsuccessful bids from round two.
Councils set out Autumn Statement priorities
The Government is facing calls to provide emergency funding for children’s social care in this week’s Autumn Statement.
