Health
Sector urged not to give up on health devolution
The sector should not give up on securing future health devolution deals despite the Government’s ‘centralising tendency,’ experts have urged.
Fears over public health 'fragmentation'
The Government’s overhaul of public health has raised fears of a ‘fragmentation’ of the system among councils.
Public health professionals warn against ‘top-down domination’
The Government’s new approach to public health must be locally-led, experts have said.
One year on, councils will be central to recovery
After an extraordinary year, council staff are exhausted, worn down and facing further cuts, says Heather Jameson. But she has no doubt they will continue to rise to the challenge 'whether it is in an office, at home or on a laptop anywhere'.
At the right level
As the heart of the UK's knowledge and biotech economies, Oxford urgently needs urban leadership powers to deliver regional growth crucial to national renewal and recovery, writes Jonathan Werran.
Hancock's half hour to ease sector concerns
Health and social care secretary Matt Hancock has attempted to ease local government concerns about far-reaching NHS legislation plans.
National Test and Trace failed to draw on councils' expertise
MPs have questioned the impact of the NHS Test and Trace programme and urged it to collaborate more with local authorities.
Local scrutiny should stay embedded in the local community
Local scrutiny can and must play an ongoing and supportive role relating to the Secretary of State’s new powers as outlined in the recent white paper for NHS and social care reform, says Ed Hammond.
Health and care White Paper sends 'wrong message'
Further regulation and intervention will not improve social care, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
Our chance is now on climate change
The penalty for not using our new pandemic mindset doesn’t bear thinking about, says Gill Kneller. 'With climate change, there won’t be another chance. Our chance is now', she adds.
Making things better
If we had more time to step back and think, and less pressure, what would we be building and how would it be better? Professor Donna Hall asks the question.
Councils call for extra cash for expanded shielding list
Councils have called for more access to data and extra cash to deal with sharp spike in the number of people shielding from coronavirus.
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.
Councils complain about vaccine diversion
Frustrated council leaders have urged the Government to restore their expected coronavirus vaccine allocations after restricted supplies caused delays to the rollout.
Pushing for real reform
The pandemic was a game changer for the central/local government relationship, says Joanne Roney, who has started her two-year stint as president of Solace.
We’ll support councils to end homelessness
Last week’s call by the Government for councils to redouble efforts to bring ‘Everyone In’ is timely and essential, says Rick Henderson of Homeless Link.
PM wants councils to ‘lead the fight’ on vaccinations
The Prime Minister has promised councils will receive data on the COVID-19 vaccination programme in their areas within days.
The NHS must harness the strengths of districts
Cllr John Fuller says that while the NHS delivers the vaccinations, districts can 'help shape the ecosystem, build trust through familiar settings, bring in hard to reach communities', and more - 'a partnership in place'.
Warning over integrated care plan
Proposals to merge health bodies into larger regional integrated care systems (ICS) are ‘in danger of missing the real prize of collaborative place-based leadership,’ councils have warned.
Why I refused to support discharging COVID positive patients into our care homes
Leader of Enfield LBC Cllr Nesil Caliskan explains why patients with COVID must not be admitted to the borough’s care homes during the second wave.
